Letchworth Arts and Craft Show 2020 Canceled
The Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) cancels the 2020 Annual Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show & Sale ® due to COVID-19.
PERRY, NY – July 18, 2020 — As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the Board of Directors of the Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Annual Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show & Sale ® (LACS) that was scheduled for October 10, 11, and 12 to be held at the Letchworth State Park.
“ACWC’s priority is the health and safety of the artisans, volunteers, support staff and the community”. said Jacqueline Swaby, ACWC’s executive director. “This was a heartbreaking and difficult decision for our organization to make, as it will have significant economic impact on our artisans and all other entities who have contributed to the 44-year success of this event”. “But as COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and after numerous consultations, meetings, and a survey of the artisans, it became clear that in the face of an unprecedented situation, we needed to make this tough choice”
2020 will mark the first time in 45 years that the ACWC has not held this Annual Festival.
As one of the top 100 classic art festivals in the USA, this event has attracted a large audience as it is considered to be a prime family friendly destination. Attendees are exposed to the creativity of some of the country’s finest visual artists, crafts people, artisans, and as well as a vast array of traditional and unique foods. The stunning venue is a key component that sets this festival apart from all others. The ambience created by spectacular canyon views and peak fall foliage throughout the park is unparalleled. The festival could be considered the premiere holiday shopping opportunity for the thousands of people who attend each year. Individuals can choose from some of the best pottery, paintings, quilts, fiber arts, handcrafted jewelry, photography, furniture, decorative painting, dried floral arrangements, packaged specialty foods, and so much more. Over 300 artisans display their wares, along with food vendors, live entertainment, and other fun activities for the entire family.
This year, the organization was especially looking forward to celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the festival, and had plans to roll out a new recognition for select artisans. But on the regulations and recommendations from NYS Governor, Andrew Cuomo and the CDC, concerns from the Letchworth State Park administration, and the State Park Police, it was determined that the well-being of all involved had to be the number one priority
“We realize the magnitude of this decision and its impact on the public, the artisans, other vendors, Letchworth State Park, as well as the ACWC”, said Gary Buchholz, President of the ACWC. “It would not be possible to follow or enforce social distancing guidelines. Neither the State Park nor the ACWC has the capacity to fulfill all the mandates”.
The good news is that the ACWC will provide an opportunity through its website for the public to shop with artisans who already have an online presence. The link to the artisans will be available starting on the weekend that LACS would have been held (Columbus Day Weekend; October 10, 11, and 12), and will continue to be accessible through the end of 2020.
The ACWC’s Executive Director Jacqueline Swaby is making a public plea to everyone who can, to “please support our artisans during this difficult time”. “We invite you to make plans now with friends and family members to have a special LACS online shopping party by visiting our website (www.artswyco.org) during that weekend; it will be the door to many of the artisans’ website. You will find that special and unique product that will never be found on a retail store shelf”.
Information on the artisans’ online links to the ACWC’s website will be updated as the information becomes available.
For over forty years, the Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) has created opportunities to bring arts into rural communities through programming, grants, and art events. The ACWC is also Wyoming County’s NYSCA Decentralization Site for Community Arts Grants. For more information on membership or advocacy in the arts, please visit www.artswyco.org.