Over 140 Juried Artists Participating in the Largest Ever 33rd Willoughby ArtsFest
Visit Historic Downtown Willoughby
July 15, 2024 – Willoughby, OH – With record breaking numbers, over 140 juried artists will be on-site to showcase their talents at the Willoughby ArtsFest, presented by American Family Insurance and sponsored by University Hospitals, Lake Erie Distillery, Raw Roofing Solutions and Olympus Aerospace in partnership with Tour Lake County and the city of Willoughby.
Attracting over 7,000 visitors, the 33rd Willoughby ArtsFest is taking place in historic downtown Willoughby from 10 am – 5 pm, and will feature artists, vendors, many food options, and a full day of music, featuring The Cleveland Breakfast Club from noon – 2 pm at The Kilbourne Family Entertainment Gazebo, located in Wes Point Park. This free event includes the Cleveland Clinic Kid’s Studio featuring arts and crafts in partnership with the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library and the Willoughby Arts Collaborative (WAC). The Kid’s Studio will have staff on-site to help kids design their own string art pieces. The string boards will be displayed in the library after the ArtsFest. In addition, the WAC has commissioned artist Ian Petroni to create a large line sculpture on the library lawn.
For the adults, bourbon and vodka samples will be available, compliments of Lake Erie Distillery.
“The City of Willoughby is pleased to welcome the 33rd Annual Artsfest to Downtown Willoughby on Saturday, July 20,” said Willoughby Mayor, Bob Fiala. “This is one of our premier events and our restaurants, bars, and merchants are looking forward to hosting all art lovers.”
Visit the Universal Direct Windows Auction Tent that will feature original works donated by the artists for a chance to win. Tickets, along with 50/50 raffle tickets start at only $5 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Educational and Development Scholarship Fund.
Artists will be judged during the event in the following 5 categories: (1) fiber/leather, (2) jewelry and metalworks, (3) photography and digital art, (4) painting/drawing/printmaking and (5) sculpture/ceramics/glass/wood. Winners will receive prizes from $100 to $500. The 2023 overall ArtsFest winner, Kimberlee Everhard Art, is returning this year to again showcase her creations!
“The Willoughby ArtsFest brings the community together to showcase the fine arts, attracting tourists and visitors to historic downtown Willoughby and Lake County.” said WWLCC Executive Director, Dana Wolfe. “We are grateful that we have been able to continue this tradition with the support of the various organizations, sponsors, volunteers and artists to make this one of the most anticipated events of the summer.”
Complimentary parking is available. You can park at Willoughby South and take the Laketran shuttle that will run every 15 minutes. Parking is available at the Courthouse and Todd Field. Handicapped parking is available at the Willoughby-Eastlake Library and at Willoughby City Hall starting at 12:30pm.
Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce
The Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce serves 8 communities. Our mission is to connect, advocate for and promote businesses of all sizes in Western Lake County. Our vision is to foster a diverse environment where businesses and residents are proud to work, live and play.
For more information, please call (440) 942-1632 or visit willoughbyartsfest.com
Entertainment Schedule
10:00a.m. – Alex Zinni
12-2:00p.m. – The Cleveland Breakfast Club
3:00p.m. – Dance Lessons and Performance by Fred Astaire Dance Studio
4:00p.m. – Fine Arts Association, Angelina Calderon, Vocalist
4:30-5:00p.m.- Willoughby South, Isaac Weisblat, Jazz
Are you interested in learning more about membership with Tour Lake County? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more.