Clothesline festival held at Memorial Art Gallery

Posted at: 09/09/2012 8:57 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

Whether you’re into jewelry, wood working, photography or ceramics, you probably found what you were looking for at this year’s Clothesline Festival.

The event, held at the Memorial Art Gallery is always a big draw for Rochester residents.

It’s considered one of Rochester’s oldest festivals and for some; it marks the unofficial end to the festival season. It all began in 1957 and 56 years later, thousands of Rochester residents just can’t get enough.

On Saturday, it rained, but on Sunday it was an absolutely gorgeous day. Festival goers told News10NBC they couldn’t have asked for better weather. More than 425 artists from all over the state participated this year.

They varied from musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers and jewelry makers. This year featured 80 new artists, displaying very unique pieces. Festival organizers say the diversity of the festival is what sets it apart from other.

News10NBC spoke to one of the vendors who has been displaying her pieces for years at the festival. She says she uses the festival to help inspire young artists.

Cheryl Olney, from Louise’s Daughter Studios, says “Without art, it’s over. What concerns us is that there are not enough young people looking to go into the arts because it is a difficult way to make a living. We're very encouraging to many that we meet because we say look around everyone has got grey hair.

The money from the vendor rentals and admission prices will be donated to the Memorial Art Gallery. Every year they end up raising about $250,000. Organizers are hoping this year will be as successful.

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