MAG festival draws a crowd

photo credit: Richard P. Wersinger

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS--Performers from the Rochester City Ballet entertain festival-goers as part of MAG's Clothesline Festival. Every hour from noon to 4, "The Step Show" offers performances from area dance and theater troupes.

emorial Art Gallery's largest fundraiser, the 45th Clothesline, takes place Saturday, September 8, and Sunday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival includes the original works of 600 artists and craftspeople from a 27-county region of Upstate New York for view and sale on the Gallery grounds.

Entertainment and activities will include "The Step Show," live 20-minute performances on the museum steps from area dance and theatre entertainers; appearances by local radio personalities; and "Paint Pen," where budding artists from ages 4-8 can paint and create in various mediums. In addition, food and beverage tents will offer a wide range of edible items. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and baseball caps also will be available for purchase.

From its early beginnings in 1957, where nearly 2,000 bargain hunters braved the wind and rain of Hurricane Audrey, to its current status as a major community happening that spills over MAG's 17-acre campus, Clothesline promises something for everyone. In recent years the festival has evolved into an event for the entire family with family-friendly entertainment, shuttlebus service, and an expanded array of New York artisans.

Admission is $5 (children under 12 free) and includes admission to the exhibition galleries, which are open both days from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All proceeds from artists' entry fees and public admission fees go directly to MAG's operating fund.

Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., 10 exhibitors will receive this year's Merit Awards recognizing creativity, quality of execution, and display presentation. All 10 award winners from the 2000 festival will be returning this year.

For more information about Clothesline, call 473-7720 or visit www.rochester.edu/MAG/clothes.htm.

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