The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is inviting all Artists and Artisans to apply for participation in the first annual Manchester Arts Festival (MAF) to be held on Saturday, July 26, throughout the beautiful downtown of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. Manchester-by-the-Sea is a historic town located on Cape Ann, an area with a long, rich tradition of art appreciation. This quintessential New England coastal town, complete with its lovely harbor views, beaches, and a growing retail trade, will offer a unique venue for artists to show and sell their work.

The MAF is open to artists in all hand made crafts and fine arts. Categories of work sought out are as follows, but not limited to: fine art / paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, apparel & accessories, pottery / ceramics, photography and garden ornaments. Items from commercially sold kits, wholesale items, or mass produced items are not considered hand made and will not be eligible for inclusion. Artisans will be assigned a 10′ x 10′ (approximate) designated outdoor area, with a few, select indoor locations offered in local businesses.

Applications for entry may be downloaded in PDF format from the Chamber’s website, and must be received by the jurying board. Space is limited, so do not delay. All submissions will be juried and accepted on a first come basis. Complete details regarding the Festival and the application process can be had by contacting the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at 978-283-1601, emailing info@capeannchamber.com, or visiting our website at www.capeannchamber.com/08-ManchesterArtsFestival-ArtisanInvite.pdf.

Newspaper, radio, and cable advertising will promote the event and draw Cape Ann residents, visiting tourists, and Boston area day trippers. The names of participating artists will appear on the Chamber’s website. Information about the Manchester Arts Festival will be in the Chamber’s newsletters and emails to their members as well. There will be live music, children’s activities, great food and more. Festival hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 26. In the event of inclement weather, Sunday, July 27, will be used as the rain date.