The 27th annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday, September 11 (10 am to 6 pm) and 12 (11 am to 5 pm), in East and West Parks, downtown Norwich. (ES file photo)

NORWICH – The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival Board of Directors has announced the volunteers of the year, as well as the Colors Cape recipient for 2021.

These awards will be presented at Opening Ceremonies at 10:45 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 11th on the NBT Main Stage.

Stephen and Joyce Bliss have been selected by the Colorscape Board of Directors as the Susan Connelly 2021 Volunteers of the Year.

Steve and Joyce have been volunteering for the Festival since its early years and have earned this honor. Their favorite job is delivering lunches to the artists at their booths. A Certificate and a $50 ColorCash Certificate to spend on the artwork of their choice at the festival will be presented to them.

"Each year (except for last year due to COVID, sadly), Colorscape recognizes an individual or individuals whose steadfast support of the festival has meant a great deal to us and to the Central New York communities that we serve. Your volunteerism nearly from Colorscape's inception in 1995 has been exceptional and very, very much appreciated,” said Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival Board President Melissa deCordova.

Upon hearing the news, Stephen Bliss said, “Joyce and I are humbled to be honored with this recognition. We feel that volunteering in the community is just something that we should all be doing."

The Raymond Foundation is being honored as the Colors Cape Recipient for 2021. Colorscape awards its Colors Cape to a partner who strongly supports the Festival, year after year. The cape can be worn during the festival and a plaque commemorating the Raymond Foundation’s achievement will be presented.

"Congratulations on being selected by our board to receive the famous "Colors Cape" award! Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is extremely grateful for Raymond's generous donation this year, and in past years. As a not-for-profit, free admission event, we rely heavily on contributions from our corporate and business Partners like yours. Thank you,” said Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival Board President deCordova.

Elizabeth Buza, Media Relations Specialist at Raymond, upon hearing the news, said, "I received the exciting news that Raymond will be honored with a Business Partner recognition this year. Thank you!"

About Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival: Recognized as one of the top 100 classic and contemporary craft shows in the county by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Colorscape Chenango has been celebrating premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995. This free, two-day festival in September features 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 art activities for all ages. The 2021 Colorscape will be held rain or shine, September 11-12 in East and West Parks in Norwich.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.