The Berea Arts Fest makes its 33rd return with a packed schedule of art in every form
By Patricia Nugent
We’re just days away from one of the liveliest multi-arts festivals in Cleveland. The 33rd annual Berea Arts Fest is set for Sunday, September 10, with the promise of celebrating all things art, from local artist booths to fabulous music acts, the hottest food trucks and enriching art experiences for kids, set along the high-spirited streets of historic downtown Berea.
Living up to its theme, “All Access Pass,” the folks who run the Fest have been forging relationships over the past year with advocate organizations to help make the bevy of activities more accessible and welcoming to everyone.
“We are partnering with people from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, who will be present with support services; the Youth Challenge, which will provide volunteers and information on sports and recreation for children with physical disabilities; and the Berea Kiwanis Action Club, among other groups that advocate for individuals with disabilities,” says Dan Karp, president of the Fest. “And our MC for the day will be Krista Allison, Miss Wheelchair Ohio 2022.”
According to Fest Coordinator Rich Cihlar, “Our goal essentially has been to invite these vital groups to learn more about us and we want to learn more about them. Art is something that should be experienced live, and we want everyone to join in.”
The colorful group of demonstrating artists ranges from Anthony Kleem, Shawn Slowburn and Bili Kribbs to Adam Pate (character drawing), A Little Color Never Hurt (free face-painting) and, new this year, the Treehouse Educational Enrichment Center with very cool robot painting demonstrations.
Rich reports festgoers will appreciate the hand-picked group of artists from Cleveland and around the country representing mediums such as painting, photography, jewelry, glass blowing, stained glass, metal works, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking and woodworking.
“People know to watch out for Joy Unspeakable, the fantastic mime who appears out of nowhere and plays funny tricks on unsuspecting fest-goers,” he adds.
An art raffle, held throughout the day, raises funds to support the Fest, as well as its annual college scholarship. Congratulations to this year’s winner Emily Cifranic, who is a graphic designer. This 2023 graduate from Olmsted Falls High School will attend the Columbus College of Art and Design in the fall.
Make-It, Take-It
One of the biggest attractions is the Kids Kreation Station, under the big tent, where children can make their own art to take home. Supplies are included. Geared for kids 3-12 years old, an array of hands-on projects this year includes beaded critters, paper plate umbrella, create your own jigsaw puzzle and the all-access pass kids can make to take to three locations to get a stamp and a ticket to win the raffle basket of art supplies.
And if all the creativity fires up your appetite, no worries, they’ve got you covered with four amazing food trucks: bRaised, You Enjoy my Donuts, The Real Chef’s Food Truck and The Benevolent Butcher, as well as Weber’s Fresh Ice Cream Station and Buckeye Concessions.
For more information, contact Berea Arts Fest Coordinator Rich Cihlar at BAFcoordinator@bereaartsfest.org, or 440-891-1102. For a complete Berea Arts Fest schedule and volunteer opportunities, visit BereaArtsFest.org. The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 10. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided by Baldwin Wallace University running from 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., picking up guests at the Bonds Building on Eastland Road and dropping off at Fest entrances. As always, admission is free. You can donate online to this 501(c)3 organization.