The 2020 Brandywine Festival of the Arts has been canceled.
“We deeply regret that we must cancel this year’s festival. Our 200 artist vendors will lose an opportunity to display their outstanding work and our loyal patrons will not only miss seeing the artists but also enjoying the local musicians and the tastes of the food court that have made the festival a must-see event for many years,” said Barry Schlecker of Barry’s Events, the festival’s producer. “We had hoped we could go ahead, but it simply would not be a safe environment for our artists, volunteers, and our patrons.”
This year’s festival had been scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12, in Wilmington’s Brandywine Park.
“I’m glad it’s being canceled, because of the fear of getting sick,” stated Claymont painter Rick Phillips, a regular exhibitor who was the festival’s featured artist in 2017. “Being able to sell my works at the festival is great, but I really want to be there next year.” Phillips said his sales at the 2019 festival were his best ever for a weekend event.
Schlecker, whose business has produced the festival since 2010, said he is guaranteeing 2020 booth fee rates and location for next year to all artists who had made booth reservation payments for this year. In addition, he said, Barry’s Events will promote these artists on multiple Facebook pages that have more than 14,000 followers during the coming year.
The festival typically presents a blend of painters, jewelry makers, potters, photographers, woodworkers and fabric artists, ranging from emerging artists to familiar faces who have exhibited here for a decade or more. Recent exhibitors have come from at least 17 states, primarily in the mid-Atlantic region but some have traveled from as far as Texas and California to display their works. The juried show has been recognized as one of the best in the mid-Atlantic states.
On weekends with good weather, the festival typically draws some 15,000 visitors, making it the largest two-day event in Wilmington, Schlecker said. Festival attractions include pet adoptions, children’s activities, and a large outdoor food court.
Planning for next year’s 60 Anniversary of the Brandywine Festival of the Arts has begun, and more than 125 artists have already made their space reservations. “After missing this year, we’re confident that our exhibitors, sponsors, and patrons will create an exciting atmosphere when we return in 2021,” Schlecker said.
For more information, see www.brandywinearts.com or visit Brandywine Festival of the Arts on Facebook.
