45th Annual “A Fair in the Park” Set for September 5th-7th, Pittsburgh, PA

 Mellon Park Event Expects 20,000 Visitors

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 25, 2014 - The Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh is presenting its 45th annual A Fair in the Park from Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th, at Mellon Park (corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues), Pittsburgh. PA.  
 
The Fair is a juried contemporary fine art and craft festival featuring more than 110 regional and national artists working in a variety of mediums including:  clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, metal, mixed media and two dimensional art.
 
Lisa Platt, President of the Guild's Board of Directors, notes that the Fair will feature significant changes this year, including expansion in both entertainment and food offerings.  “Our Fair typically attracts a wide range of age groups, including a lot of families.  We want to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for them to spend their day with us,” says Lisa.
 
“Over the years we have developed a significant following of people who come to the Fair to both experience and purchase art,” Platt continued. “We pride ourselves on offering them a full arts experience -- visual and sensory.  Our artists and entertainers love to spend time with their patrons, sharing techniques and ideas.”
 
INTERNATIONAL CELLO ROCK GROUP HEADLINES ENTERTAINMENT
 
Entertainment is scheduled throughout each day with Cello Fury, an internationally recognized rock group featuring three cellists and a drummer, highlighting the Saturday schedule.   Cello Fury has entertained audiences throughout the world with their uniquely progressive rock/classical fusion sound; they have performed for groups as large as the NFL’s halftime show for 67,000 people.  Part of the group’s mission is to “inspire young musicians and give back to the community.”  Cello Fury will play at 11:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.
 
Other musicians scheduled to entertain during the Fair include:  The Jenny Wilson Trio, Ruby Red and the Dirty Devils, the Dan Baker Trio, Matt Miskie, Arvel Bird and Lovebettie.  A full entertainment schedule can be found at www.afairinthepark.org or www.craftsmensguild.org (by then linking to the A Fair in the Park page).
 
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT/ ACTIVITIES
 
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium will be at the Fair with animals and their docents.  The traditional musical group Calliope will conduct demonstrations, and various other artisans will provide interactive creative opportunities. 
 
FAIR SCHEDULE ACCOMMODATES FAMILY OUTINGS
 
The Fair will be open on Friday, September 5th from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6th, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Admission and parking are free throughout the Fair.
 
Food vendors will be present throughout the weekend, providing Fair visitors with a wide range of offerings from deluxe burgers to Hawaiian Shaved Ice. 
 
CRAFTSMEN’S GUILD EMPHASIZES ARTS EDUCATION
 
Founded in 1944, the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting artistry in craft in the western Pennsylvania region.  In addition to the Fair, the Guild presents exhibitions, workshops and social events to the greater Pittsburgh community.  Art education is a vital part of the Guild’s mission.  It offers scholarships for developing artists, and its members volunteer their time and expertise to provide education and mentoring opportunities for emerging artists of all ages. The silent auction at the Fair will help expand the Guild’s educational offerings by benefiting the scholarship fund.
 
The Craftsmen’s Guild has been a resident guild of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts for more the 50 years.
 
www.afairinthepark.org 
 
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