Colorscape Chenango’s Virtual Festival will move forward as the regular show is postponed due to the coronavirus. (Submitted Photo)

NORWICH – Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival announced that Sunshine Artist Magazine, a prestigious trade publication, has ranked Colorscape number 97 in their annual list of the 200 Best Arts and Crafts Festivals, for their 2019 festival, and one of four in New York State.

“This is the third year in a row that Colorscape was ranked by Sunshine Artist,” explained festival Executive Director Celeste Friend. “We are especially excited to be included in the Fine Art & Design ranking. This is truly a recognition of the quality of our artists and the overall experience of the festival.”

The Sunshine Artist 200 Best is split into two categories: Fine Art and Design, for events that focus on unique fine-art pieces, like the Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival; and Classic and Contemporary Craft. Artists were asked to cast their votes April through June to nominate their highest money-making shows from 2019. The results were tabulated using a weighted scale based on four sales levels to ensure that all events can compete against each other fairly. Information on Colorscape and the other shows that made 2020 200 Best list is available in Sunshine Artist’s September 2020 issue.

“A big thank you goes to all the 2019 artists who submitted their Sunshine Artist surveys, your input is responsible for Colorscape receiving this significant honor,” exclaimed Peggy Brent Finnegan, Visual Arts Coordinator.

“For 28 years, Sunshine Artist’s 200 Best list has been an invaluable resource for countless artists and craftspeople,” said SA Editor Melissa Jones.

“This is a unique and challenging year for festivals, as everyone can imagine. It’s Colorscape’s 26th, but instead of having the show go on in the parks downtown, we are offering a virtual, online experience. Sunshine Artists’ recognition came at the perfect time and we couldn’t be more pleased for this national recognition,” stated Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival Board President Melissa deCordova.

Colorscape Chenango’s “Virtual” Arts Festival will take place on September 12 & 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Youtube. Visitors can connect via links posted on www.colorscape.org or via Facebook. Videos from juried artists, art tutorials, music performances from The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and Adam Erza, cooking tutorials and more entertainment will be featured. Viewers will also have the opportunity to purchase fine arts and crafts from the artists.

About Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival: Recognized as one of the top 200 fine arts and design shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Colorscape Chenango has been celebrating premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995. This free, two-day festival in September features nearly 125 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 art activities for all ages. The 2020 Colorscape will be held online this year, September 12-13. Further details can be found on www.colorscape.org/ and on social media.

- Submitted Article