ROCHESTER, Mich. – Art & Apples Festival, produced by Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA) as its largest annual fundraiser, returns to transform the 30-acre Rochester Municipal Park (400 Sixth St.) on Sept. 6-8, into one of the nation’s top juried fine art fairs. This year, more than 250 exhibiting artists from across the country have been selected to display their works.
Guests are encouraged to explore what it’s like to work with different art mediums: Hands-on art activities such as ceramic wheel throwing demos and screen printing will be available for the public to partake in. A live glass blowing demo will also be on site.
The Art & Apples Festival has been consistently ranked among the top Festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, and ranked #10 in 2018.
The festival, back for its 54th year, is a program of Paint Creek Center for the Arts, a regional, nonprofit art center located in downtown Rochester. In addition to the art, visitors can enjoy more than 20 food vendors and live entertainment all weekend from dance troupes, singers/songwriters, classic rocker performers, Latin jazz, traditional jazz, the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, Dixieland, Swing and much more. All performances are FREE to enjoy!
PCCA Executive Director Elizabeth Chilton announced that Genisys Credit Union is returning as presenting sponsor.
“We are eager to once again welcome thousands of art enthusiasts who will get to experience the best display yet of talent in a wide variety of mediums,” Chilton said. “In a time where sponsorships for festivals are very difficult to come by even for top art events, we are thrilled that Genisys Credit Union has again generously partnered with Paint Creek Center for The Arts and renewed its commitment to the arts and to the community. Producing a top quality art festival requires sponsors whose goals align. I am proud Genisys has returned, showing that they too realize that art is integral to a thriving, happy community.”
“The decision to partner with the festival again this year was an easy one, “said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO, Genisys Credit Union.
“Paint Creek Center for the Arts’ Arts & Apples Festival, is a standout event and Genisys Credit Union wants to continue to enhance the lives of those in our community by supporting artists and the events that celebrate them,” Buchanan said. PCCA’s positive economic impact on the greater Rochester community lasts far beyond September and it is exciting to be part that growth. Genisys Credit Union is dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community, and art plays a major role in that process.”
Also returning this year, for just the second time: fresh Michigan apples from Blake’s Cider Mill.
“We know it’s hard to believe that for 52 years we did not have apples at the Art & Apples festival, I am proud that for the second consecutive year the festival will be celebrating Michigan’s apple season by inviting Blake’s back to Rochester.”
Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA) evolved out of the Art & Apples Festival in 1983, the same year it took over the festival management. Since then, it has continued to produce the annual event.
The Art & Apples Festival hosts the nation’s top established and emerging artists offering their wares in a variety of genres. Artists will showcase woodwork, sculptures, illustrations, metal work and jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, glasswork, mixed media, digital art, leather and much more. For example, a glass-blowing demonstration by Michigan glass artist Chris Ervin will be featured, sponsored by ManPower. Also, a ceramic wheel throwing demonstration will be given by Michigan artists Kelly Haehl and Ryan Lack.
The event aligns with PCCA’s Connecting through Creative Expression campaign, which encourages people to connect with their neighbors in a positive manner, though creativity and artistic expression, so relationships can grow and thrive. PCCA’s overall mission is to support creativity in Rochester and the Metro Detroit area by providing opportunities for all to learn, create, experience, and appreciate the arts.
This year’s Main Stage performance schedule will kick off on Friday, Sept. 6 with performances from the Stoney Creek High School Cougar Marching Band, Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble and LL7 Latin Jazz. On Saturday, Sept. 7, highlights include Motor City Irish Dance Company, 3rd Degree Burns and Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensations. And Sunday, Sept. 8 shows feature the Swing Shift Orchestra, country music artist Melissa Lee and the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic.
Art and Apples also offers a variety of entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food choices, and of course a wide variety of Michigan apple treats (cider, strudel, streusel and caramel apples, to name a few).
Visitors can sample traditional food like hot dogs and fries, or experiment with something new.
Food vendors include: Almonds-R-Nutz, Biggby Coffee Rochester Hills, Crepe Day Twah,
Different Twist Pretzels, Giordano’s Wood Fired Pizza, Island Noodles, Jackson’s 5 Star Catering, Kiwanis Club of Rochester, Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice, Mercurio’s Food Specialties, Nan’s Butter, New Palace Bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes Rochester Hills, Old Tyme Poppin’ Korn, The Original Strudel Factory,Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, Red Wood Grill, Trenton Concessions, Tropic Love & Love Puffs, Wisconsin Cheese Hound and Woolson Concessions.
Also returning in 2019 to Art and Apples is the Meijer Kids Art Zone, featuring a weekend full of free activities for children of all ages to enjoy.
Best of all, entrance to Art and Apples remains affordable for the whole family. There is only a $5 tax-deductible donation per person. This funding helps provide Paint Creek Center for the Arts the ability to work all year promoting the arts in Oakland County, through its involvement in art education, exhibitions, an art market, outreach programs and more. Donations also go to other nonprofit groups, including:St. John Rochester Youth Group, Music Shapes, Adams High School Boys Swim, Rochester College Theatre Department, and Onyx Theatre Troupe – Skating Team.
Festival hours are as follows:
Friday, September 6: Soft Opening 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 7: 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 8: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Volunteer shifts are available at the festival, but you must sign up ahead of the event as walk-ups are not accepted. Visit the website for more information on volunteering: https://www.pccart.org/festival/volunteer-2/
Our Generous Sponsors
In addition to the presenting sponsor Genisys Credit Union, the Art & Apples Festival is also supported by Meijer, Manpower, Detroit Institute of Arts, Oakland County Parks and many more.
Sponsorships are still available, and information can be found at www.pccart.org or by calling 248-651-4110, or emailing sponsorships@pccart.org.
Artists interested in participating in the 2020 Festival should reach out to PCCA to have their names, emails, and art mediums added to the mailing list for 2020 Festival announcements.
ABOUT PAINT CREEK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Art & Apples Festival is a program of Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA), a regional nonprofit art center located in Downtown Rochester. Since 1982, PCCA has been dedicated to enhancing life in the region by promoting, encouraging, and creating opportunities to participate in and appreciate the arts.