First Essex arts festival to celebrate Essex River Cultural District on Saturday

Source: Eagle-Tribune

ESSEX -- This Saturday, the first ever Essex Arts and Cultural Festival will take place in celebration of the Essex River Cultural District.

"The Essex Arts and Culture Festival is significant because it exclusively features artists, culture bearers and food from Essex," said KD Montgomery, executive director of the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. "It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and creativity that our small town has to offer, bringing together the community in a celebration of our local culture."

The festival is slated to take place June 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the museum, 66 Main St.

The Essex River Cultural District itself encompasses the museum and is walkable as it stretches approximately one mile along Route 133, from Main Street's intersection with Spring Street, over the Causeway, past where Main becomes Eastern Avenue at the intersection with Southern Avenue, to the old Methodist Episcopal Church, now the home of Perim Lang Antiques, 18 Eastern Ave.

Designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2012, the Essex River Cultural District serves to highlight the town's creative arts and heritage of shipbuilding, clamming and farming.

The festival is all about Essex, Montgomery said.

"Our key objective is to highlight the vibrant cultural district in Essex," she said. "Many people think of Essex solely as a destination for clams but there is much more to discover here. This event aims to shine a light on the diverse cultural offerings and to unify the cultural community in Essex."

The festival will feature exhibitors from the district and cultural partners from all over Essex. Attendees can expect to see a variety of art exhibits, live music, stand-up comedy and demonstrations by local artists.

Such presentations will include:

Exhibitions by 27 distinct artists and craft makers.

Entertainment to be provided by seven different acts, including full bands and comedy acts.

Drinks from the Shipyard's Basin Bar.

Activities for adults and children including interactive events and farm animals.

"We are thrilled to host this festival at the historic Museum Shipyard, a place that embodies the rich maritime heritage of Cape Ann," Montgomery said. "The festival not only celebrates our past but also fosters a sense of community and pride in our cultural achievements. We hope that attendees leave with a deeper appreciation for the arts, history and unique spirit of Essex."

Admission is free and funding has been provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Essex County Community Foundation's Creative County Initiative.

In the event of inclement weather, rain date for the celebration is Sunday, June 23.

More information may be found at http://essexshipbuilding.org/essex-arts-and-culture-festival.

Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or [email protected].

Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or [email protected].

Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or [email protected].