Annoucements

Festival of Greens Seeking Submissions

October 26, 2011

Once again, participants are being sought for an event that celebrates the holidays and the arts.  The Frederick Arts Council is encouraging artists, businesses, school groups, nonprofit organizations, and all local residents to participate in the Frederick Festival of Greens by decorating a wreath or tree that will become part of a public display during the Festival, scheduled for November 25-December 4th.  At the conclusion of the festival, all the decorated pieces will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the arts in Frederick County. 

It is anticipated that approximately 100 decorated or themed wreaths/trees, ranging from the fancy to the funky, will adorn the Cultural Arts Center in downtown Frederick.  The wreath/tree can be created from various materials and can be interpretive, artistic, and creative in nature.  There is no fee to participate, however artists must provide their own supplies and materials.  Participants do not have to be professional artists.  In fact, businesses are encouraged to submit one that represents their industry or products and is a great way to promote their company.  All participants will be publicly recognized and be eligible to win several prizes. 

A new addition to this year’s event is the inclusion of mystery boxes.  Open to anyone, it is designed for those who have trouble coming up with an idea or theme or just want a challenge. The content of these boxes will vary- it may be something new, used, only one item or several. Ten wrapped mystery boxes will be available on a first come first pick basis. Anything can be done with these items but the items must be part of the wreath.  The mystery boxes will be available for pick up on November 1 at the Frederick Arts Council office.

In addition to the wreaths being on display, several other holiday activities are planned during the ten-day event, including a holiday production of “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by the Fredericktowne Players, two holiday artist markets, Celebrate Frederick’s annual Scents and Sweets event, a children’s holiday market sponsored by Dancing Bear Toys, a cookbook author event with former Top Chef Contestant Spike Mendelsohn.  Although the theater production has an admission cost, all the other activities will be free and open to the public and enjoyable for the entire family. 

The presenting sponsor of the Festival of Greens is Gaver Holdings.  Last year, seventy-eight wreaths and trees were on display.  Individuals and groups have until November 18th to drop off their artistic creation.  The wreaths/trees will remain on display through downtown Frederick’s First Saturday in December.  It is expected that over 2,000 people will see them on display, providing great visibility for the business, individual, or group contributing the wreath or tree.  For a participation form, and a complete listing of participation guidelines, individuals are encouraged to contact Tammy O’Connor at the Frederick Arts Council at 301-662-4190.  For more information, and to download the Call for participants, visit http://www.frederickartscouncil.org/index.php/programs/festival-of-greens