The Corn Hill Arts Festival will bring nearly 400 artists to the city of Rochester this weekend, marking the festival’s 55th year.
Spread across nine historic streets in the Corn Hill neighborhood, the festival, led by the Corn Hill Neighbors Association, will feature an array of handcrafted items, from pottery and sketches to photography and jewelry. Food, music, beer and wine gardens are also in the cards.
“Our neighborhood takes pride in celebrating the arts in our community, from fine arts to performing arts,” says Robin Plummer, chair of this year’s festival. “We enjoy showcasing what Rochester has to offer.”
Thousands of visitors are expected to tour the festival, which is sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union.
“We’re excited to once again be the presenting sponsor for the Corn Hill Arts Festival celebrating the 55th annual festival,” says Celeste Kier, executive vice president/director, marketing and customer experience at ESL Federal Credit Union. “Each year, the Corn Hill Neighbors Association and their volunteers prepare an extraordinary celebration of the arts, music, and Greater Rochester community.”
Last month, the association unveiled the festival’s commemorative poster. Designed by Brian O’Neill, a Corn Hill resident, the poster will be featured on festival merchandise. O’Neill is known for his work in bold abstract painting and realism.
“We have a great music lineup again this year and we have added several new surprises, 585 Corn Hole will be with us on Saturday coordinating a tournament,” Plummer says. “We have worked closely with Fort Hill Performing Arts Theatre this year to elevate our ROC the Arts Exhibit, which highlights local performance art. ROC City Circus will join us again this year. So much fun in such a beautiful neighborhood!”
The first annual Corn Hole Tournament is presented by Tin Cup Social and organized by 585 Cornhole. In addition, here are some events that are making a comeback:
■ The 13th Emerging Artist Expo, which focuses on up-and-coming artists, and is presented by MVP Health Care.
■ The second ROC the Arts at Corn Hill, supported by Henrietta Restaurant Supply, which highlights performers from various performing arts groups in Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
■ Fairy Houses, a family favorite, presented by Roc Star Realtors of Howard Hanna and supported by KidsOutAndAbout and the Strong National Museum of Play.
■ The second Corn Hill 5K, a morning run along the Genesee Riverway Trail, presented by Fleet Feet.
Profits generated by the festival are poured back into the neighborhood, officials say. The event creates opportunities for community members, whether it involves building upkeep or scholarships.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected].