ATHENS, Ohio (April 15, 2011) – The Athens Local Professional Artists and Craftsmen Association (A.L.P.A.C.A) will kick off its 2011 season with the launch of a new series of outdoor Art Markets on Saturday, April 23.
Association members will offer local art and crafts for sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Market on State, in conjunction with the Athens Farmers Market. Vendors will feature items such as glass work, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, fiber arts, crafts and children’s clothing.
The subsequent Art Markets will be held on the third Saturday of the month: May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17. The Market on State is located at 1002 E. State St., Athens, Ohio.
A.L.P.A.C.A. formed in 2008 to promote and support local artists. The group sponsors various local exhibits, shows and special events throughout the year, and provides business information and networking for area craftsmen.
In addition to the Saturday Art Markets, A.L.P.A.C.A. will sponsor several other special events in 2011:
· In partnership with the Athens Recreation Center, the association will sponsor a special Memorial Day show from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 30, at Bicentennial Park next to the Athens Recreation Center.
· A.L.P.A.C.A. will return to Bicentennial Park for the third annual Independence Day Arts Celebration and Community Picnic. The event, a partnership with the Athens Recreation Center and area Lions Clubs, will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4. It will feature local artisan vendors and art demonstrations, performances from area musicians and food vendors.
· A.L.P.A.C.A. is the official arts association for the Foothills Blues & Arts Festival, to be held on Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27, near Pomeroy. The event will feature two days of local food and artisan vendors, as well as musical acts such as the Larry Garner Blues Band and Jimi Vincent. For more information, visit: www.foothillsmusic.org.
· A.L.P.A.C.A. will end the year with its third annual Holiday Shop on Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Athens Recreation Center. The event will be held both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about the association, visit the web at http://alpacanewsletter.blogspot.com/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AthensALPACA.
