An Art-Filled Weekend in Worthington

In just a few weeks, more than 130 artisans from across the country will descend upon Worthington for the 24th annual Worthington Arts Festival. Hailed as one of the nation’s top art shows, the Worthington Arts Festival features a wide variety of artists and craftspeople exhibiting everything from sculptures and paintings to ceramics, furniture, jewelry, glass and mixed media.

This year, the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center (MAC) will host the event, which is free and open to the public, and typically attracts about 10,000 people. Mark your calendar now for a fun-filled weekend featuring the arts. Here's a closer look at what you can expect:

• A New Location – In recent years, there's been a steady increase in exhibitors and attendees, and it's been a challenge to find enough space for the festival.  To help accommodate the growing crowds, this year’s festival will move from the sidewalks of downtown Worthington to the campus setting of the McConnell Arts Center and Thomas Worthington High School (corner of Dublin-Granville Road and Evening Street).

“Bringing the festival to the shaded grounds of the McConnell Arts Center and Thomas Worthington High School is going to greatly enhance the experience of the Worthington Arts Festival,” said Jon Cook, executive director of the McConnell Arts Center. “We are bringing in artists from across the country, and I believe attendees will be very impressed with the quality of artists and their wares.”

• Art All Day, Music All Night – Talk about a twofer! The MAC is thrilled to host this year’s art show in conjunction with the PNC Arts Alive Summer Music Festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse and shop for fantastic art all day, while enjoying outstanding, live musical performances in the evenings. From jazz and contemporary music to the MAC’s own Chamber Orchestra and the wildly popular Songs at the Center, folks will hear some of the best music Central Ohio has to offer.

The weekend’s festivities will kick off on Friday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. with a special opening celebration filled with great friends, food and tunes. So grab your   blankets and lawn chairs, pre-order a gourmet picnic basket for two and head over to the MAC. 

If you go…

• The Worthington Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For a full list of this year’s exhibitors, visit www.worthingtonartsfestival.com.

• The PNC Arts Alive Summer Music Festival performances will take place Friday, June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 18 from 6 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available on-site.

• Free parking is available for both events behind the Thomas Worthington High School.