(A correction appears at the bottom of this article.)

NORWICH – Colorscape Chenango, the nationally ranked fine arts festival, will mark its 25th year with a special celebration on May 16, called the Colorscape Fête.

Held at the Colonia Theater on South Broad Street in Norwich, the Fête will be a night to celebrate Colorscape’s quarter century anniversary as well as honor the many volunteers and corporate and foundation partners without whom the arts festival could not succeed.

The gathering of past and current volunteers, partners and C-Scape members will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Colonia’s upper event room. Sponsored by NBT Bank, Chobani, and Nazzitto’s. The Fête will feature Colorscape musician, Nate Gross; painter, Tom Hussey; and potter, Ede Walker.

“It is very exciting to have watched Colorscape’s reputation grow and improve over the past 25 years, and even more exciting to have been a part of it,” said board member Peggy Finnegan. “From small beginnings Colorscape has developed into the most respected celebration of the arts in the region, and one of the nation’s 100 Best Fine Art and Design Festivals, according to Sunshine Artist Magazine.”

Executive director Celeste Friend said, “This is only my third year directing Colorscape, so knowing that it has been going strong for 25 years gives me all the confidence I need to know that we will keep going for at least 25 more.”

In addition to celebrating Colorscape’s history, the Fête will showcase the five finalists from the Student Billboard Challenge. The finalists’ submissions, chosen from among the many entrants into this first-ever art contest co-sponsored by Golden Artist Colors, will be displayed at the event.

“Colorscape’s strategy committee had planned a public art installation piece to mark the 25th, and in an ode to our long-term relationship, Golden Artist Colors enthusiastically supported the idea,” explains Board President Melissa deCordova. “They developed a really cool billboard competition for high school art students themed, ‘Art Can Change the World.’ With help from BOCES Arts In Education and Chenango County art teachers, 41 high school art students created images! We are thrilled to showcase the top five at the Fete.”

The winner’s work will be displayed as a 12 foot x 25 foot billboard on NYS Route 12 from July to October 2019. All five finalists will receive $250 gift certificates from Golden Artist Colors.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival: is recognized as one of the top 100 fine arts and crafts festivals in the country by Sunshine Artists Magazine, Colorscape Chenango has been celebrating premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995. The free, two-day festival in September features well over 100 creators displaying and selling their paintings, sculptures, fabric art, fine crafts, photography and more. Colorscape also offers nationally renowned musical performers, poetry and literary arts, food, and interactive arts activities for all ages. The 2019 Colorscape will be held rain or shine, September 7-8 in East and West Parks in Norwich. For more information, visit www.colorscape.org.

Pictured at top: Colorscape in 2011. From left, Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival music coordinator Ken Millet; Jeff Genung, board member and 2011 Volunteer of the Year; Peggy Finnegan, exhibiting artist coordinator; and former Board President and artist John Knapp. (Submitted photo)

(CORRECTION: An earlier version of this submission, based on information received from the group, incorrectly identified the Colorscape Festival Founding Director as Peggy Finnegan - the Founding Director is Julie Borden. She was the group's first director.)

Publisher responds to readers:

In the Colorscape Chenango anniversary article which ran on Tuesday, I wanted to make sure recognition is given to those who made the original event truly possible.

About 25 years ago North Norwich native, Julie Borden, brought the idea of Colorscape Chenango to Commerce Chenango President Marylou Stewart, who received the idea enthusiastically. I was then fortunate enough to have Marylou invite me to become involved with the project as a co-chairman.

At that point, Linda Greene, Joe Portillo, and many other volunteers grasped this exciting idea and put it all together. Though not founding director, Peggy Finnigan has been a tremendous asset to the event for many years.

But it was Julie Borden’s idea 25 years ago, her drive, and single-mindedness, that made this happen. Just as a point of historical accuracy, Julie deserves recognition as the Founding Director of Colorscape Chenango.

Richard Snyder,

The Evening Sun