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And now the National Park Service is inviting artists of all ages and experience levels to be inspired by taking part in its first Art in the Park Festival.
The theme of the contest, which will take place at the park all day on Friday, Aug. 25, is "Impressions of Weir Farm."
The park welcomes artists, neighbors, national park lovers, and visitors of all ages and experience levels to create Art in the Park during this free day-long event. It is sponsored by the Weir Farm National Historic Site, the Friends of Weir Farm, and the Weir Farm Art Center.
Beginning at 10 a.m., the event will include art demonstrations, activity stations, free-to-use art supplies, music, refreshments, and more.
Advanced artists are encouraged to bring their supplies, and the park will provide supplies for those who don't have their own.
All visitors will have the opportunity to create works of art and enter the contest.
At the end of the day, an on-site exhibition will feature entries for viewing and judging. Visitors can vote for their favorite piece and help determine a winner for the Visitor's Choice Award.
Other awards will be determined by a panel of judges, and winners for each category will be announced at 5 p.m. to wrap up the festivities. A detailed schedule of activities and demonstration times will be available on the park website in mid-August.
Weir Farm, the only national park dedicated to American Impressionism, leaves an impression on everyone who visits. This year's theme challenges visitors to create something colorful, exciting, and unique based on their experience at Weir Farm NHS. Entries will be judged on the use of color, quality of work, originality, creativity, and how well the work is related to the theme.
There will be a special category for professional or advanced artists, and several categories based on age for all other entries. All winners will be featured on the park's website and social media and receive an award. The winner of the professional artist category will receive the Weir Masterpiece Award and have the option to display their work at the park.
In addition to submitting works of art Aug. 25 during the Art in the Park Festival, visitors and professional artists can enter by dropping off original artwork at the park during visitor center hours before the event.
The park will accept entries in person or by mail up to the day of the event. Please include your name, age, phone number, and email address with your artwork. Entries must be received and on display by 4 p.m. Aug. 25 for judging. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m.
Park staff will be on hand to assist artists with supplies, and a free shuttle service will be offered from overflow parking areas just minutes from the park throughout the day. Leave your cares behind, pack a lunch, and enjoy creating and experiencing Art in the Park.
For more information on Weir Farm or the contest, click here.
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