ArtRageous on Main planning underway

Main Street Van Wert information

Planning is well underway for the ninth annual ArtRageous on Main, to be held Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, in downtown Van Wert’s beautiful Fountain Park. Applications are now being received from local and regional artists for this fine arts festival, which coincides with the annual Peony Festival. Final deadline for entries is May 18.

The event is an initiative of Main Street Van Wert Inc. and attracts artists from across Ohio and Indiana, who will show and sell their original artwork in the park from noon-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.

Artists are also encouraged to give demonstrations so those attending can see the artwork being created. In addition to individual artists, the Van Wert Optimist Club sponsors a juried youth art exhibit featuring artwork from local students from all area high schools.

While organized around fine art, there will be activities for children and families as well. Just a few of the activities include “Chalk the Walk” for artists and children to participate in along with an Architectural Scavenger Hunt to highlight the unique 19th century architecture of downtown Van Wert. A “Paint It In”, where a professional local artist helps visitors paint a small piece of what will become a finished painting, will take place both days.

For those interested in participating as an artist, all artwork must be original, with limited reproductions of original work permitted. Two- and three-dimension art forms are accepted for the show, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, woodworking and carving, glass, textiles, collages, pottery, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and other mixed media.

More information and registration forms are available by calling or e-mailing Main Street Van Wert at 419.238.6911 and vwdowntown@embarqmail.com.