Three, Two, One… It’s Showtime!
Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. It’s the unofficial start of summer, but more important, it’s the weekend when many of you make a beeline for the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton to savor the pleasures of the Paradise City Arts Festival. Every year we look forward to three days of exploration, discovery and refreshing our spirits with an abundance of art and beauty. Don’t despair! Even though our shows are on hiatus until the fall, you can still keep the tradition going, make an artist happy, and get something really cool from Paradise City this weekend.
Think of the artists whose work keeps you coming back for more. In this week’s Marketplace, the doors to each building and the Sculpture Promenade open wide for you. Some of your favorite artists will show you their newest work. Each image links to an artist’s site. Some links take you directly to their online store while others show work that can be ordered via phone and email. Just like at our shows, you are buying directly from the artist. The tradition goes on, from the comfort of your home.
Imagine what would happen if everybody picked just one item to purchase from a Paradise City Marketplace artist this week. You’ve supported an artist, a true small American business, and made your home a more beautiful place to be. Maybe you’ll find a pair of sea-inspired earrings by Amy Hudon, a photograph of Antarctic penguins by Ted Tatarzyn, an earthy clay whiskey cup by James Guggina or a stylish, comfy summer dress by Sharon London. It can be anything from a porcelain night-light to that magnificent coffee table you’ve been pondering for years. You might even discover the work of an artist you’ve never seen before – just like you’re sure to do at the show itself. Of course, you can fill up multiple shopping bags if you so desire, and you don’t even have to carry them to your car!
Need some help? The Spring Paradise City Guide lives online and is a great source of information – from full exhibitor lists to profiles of new and noteworthy artists and fascinating stories. Our office is open to answer questions Mondays through Thursdays.
