To the Editor:

I’m getting excited about the Newtown Arts Festival that is coming up September 20-22 at Fairfield Hills. All kinds of art will be celebrated, not just the stuff you hang on the wall. Dance, music, craft, fine art, and food will all be represented all weekend.

Included in the $5 admission fee (less for kids), there are so many activities, demonstrations, and talks this year that the organizers have created a “Freeway,” where a long row of tents will stand ready to entertain visitors. The Art of Science tent is focusing on the art of light: build a kaleidoscope, blow iridescent bubbles, and learn how to take incredible photos with your mobile phone. The Art of Farming tent is reviving age old arts such as bee-keeping, beer making, and hay bale gardening. In the Make and Take tent, Cardboard University is back! Make wall hangings, masks, and bracelets — all out of cardboard. Make and Take will also be the venue for printmaking, “no-worry” dolls, Islamic tile design, and card catalog art. The Dance Tent will have presentations to watch and workshops to participate in. The Fiber Tent is being hosted by Connecticut Wool Crafters with activities all weekend. Are you tired yet? Stop by Cool Down and Color to relax with a free glass of lemonade, a cooling fan, and stacks of kids and adult coloring books.

I’m not even mentioning the bands that will be playing all weekend, loads of food trucks; dozens of craft vendors; [Ferris Acres] Creamery Ice Cream; the Merchants of Rhythm on Friday night; a free evening of the arts on Saturday; and, phew, a Beer and Wine Tent.

Please come! Newtown’s Cultural Arts Commission is working hard to make this a stellar event! And the proceeds fund a scholarship program for local students to study the arts in college. Visit newtownartsfesitval.com for more info.

Sincerely,

Tracy Van Buskirk

Member, Newtown Cultural Arts Commission

18 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown September 3, 2019