For Immediate Release July 5, 2011 Images & Information: acoates@lexingtonartleague.org 859.254.7024 LAL and Parks and Recreation announce the return of 36th Annual American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair Lexington, KY – American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair returns to Lexington on August 20 and 21, bringing together 200 juried artists and arts activities for all to enjoy in scenic Woodland Park. American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair, presented by SC Johnson All-In-One Cleaning System, and produced by the Lexington Art League (LAL) and LFUCG’s Parks and Recreation, is Lexington’s largest, free, outdoor arts event with over 60,000 visitors coming to Woodland Park during the two-day event. Hours for American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair (whose major sponsors include SC Johnson All-InOne Cleaning System, Chiro One, Don Jacobs, The Salon Professional Academy, Local First Lexington, Panera Bread, Toyota, Good Foods Market and Café, TravelHost of the Bluegrass and Pepsi) are 10am6pm, August 20, and 10am-5pm, August 21, 2011. The Fair has received several national, regional and local honors including being voted a “Top 200 Fine Art & Design Show” in the nation by leading trade publication Sunshine Artist Magazine, a Top 20 Event by The Southeast Tourism Society and a Top 10 Festival by The Kentucky Tourism Council. Two-hundred of the nation’s finest artists and craftspersons were accepted to the Fair, which was juried by Stacey R. Chinn and Jennifer A. Reis. The artists, representing 21 states and Canada, will present work in 12 media categories (Sculpture, 2-D Mixed Media, Ceramics, Drawing/Pastels, Fiber/Leather, Glass, Graphics/Printmaking, Jewelry, Metalwork, Painting, Photography and Wood). Awards, judged by the jurors, will be given to artists who demonstrate exceptional ability and include Best in Category (for all 12 categories) as well as Cutting Edge Award, Award of Excellence and Best of Kentucky Award. A complete roster of artists will be available at LAL’s website (www.lexingtonartleague.org) in mid-July and included in printed materials on site. All artwork will be available for purchase, and most artists accept cash, checks and major credit cards. Patrons of the Fair need not worry about forgetting cash as there will be an ATM on Fair grounds in Woodland Park, thanks to American Founders Bank and PODs Brand Containers of Lexington. In the 36 years since it began, American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair has grown from being a oneday event in a parking lot featuring a handful of artists to being a highly competitive, nationally recognized cultural experience that fills one of Lexington’s finest parks. American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair The Lexington Art League’s programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. The annual Campaign for the Arts has raised millions of dollars in support of the visual, literary and performing arts in Lexington. Through the success of the Campaign, LexArts supports The Lexington Art League with an allocation of $62,000 for general operating support. We thank the many individuals whose passion for the arts compelled them to give generously of their time and money. Together these donations helped LexArts raise more than $1 million for the arts community. Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the Kentucky Arts Council for their continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports the Lexington Art League with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. supports LAL’s vision of making visual art the lens through which Central Kentucky distinguishes itself as a progressive, inclusive and vibrant region. Stephanie Pevec, LAL’s Executive Director, states, “Once again LAL’s leadership and staff are looking forward to another outstanding event produced with our partner of over thirty years, LFUCG’s Parks and Recreation. We are thankful for Parks’ collaboration and for providing such a beautiful venue to host the Fair.” Pevec goes on to acknowledge the breadth of support the fair receives. “We also want to recognize our Sponsors and American Founders Bank for all that is made possible through their support. It is also important to note that we have many other donors who support our artists’ awards and provide food and other in-kind services to our artists, staff and volunteers. This event is always a major undertaking; but, through our collaborated efforts and community-wide support, the many details seamlessly fall into place each year culminating in an outstanding event. ” Title Sponsors, such as American Founders Bank, have a direct impact on the work of LAL, which is a non-profit visual arts organization. “Partnering with Lexington Art League to produce a community event such as this is one example of our commitment to the communities we serve,” states Andrew Miller, Marketing Officer for American Founders Bank. “We are pleased to be Title Sponsor of the Fair once again this year, continuing our six year and counting partnership with LAL.” Assisting in easy transportation options, American Founders Bank will provide free parking in its lot at Rose and Main Streets. LexTran Transit Center, off High Street near Martin Luther King Boulevard, will also offer free parking. Three rotating shuttles, including one wheelchair-accessible van, will circulate every 10 minutes to deliver patrons to the main entrance to the Fair. And a bike check, courtesy of Bluegrass Community and Technical College, will be on site at the Woodland Park racquetball court on High Street. Advance copies of informational maps, including a listing of participating artists, will be available in early August in issues of Chevy Chaser Magazine, Southsider Magazine and Business Lexington, thanks to media partner Smiley Pete Publishing. Fair information will also be available prior to the event on WUKY 91.3FM and LEX-18 (which are also media partners) and during the weekend at LAL’s booth, centrally located in Woodland Park. Adding to the festivities, LAL’s booth will provide interactive art experiences for everyone. Activities will include on-the-spot hand printed merchandise, live artist demonstrations from the Appalachian Artisan Center, and 3 mobile art installations created by regional artists Annie Strader, Matt Weedman, Scott Carter and LOT Gallery. And, as Lexingtonians have come to expect, live music and entertainment will be presented on the Gazebo Stage, and family-friendly art activities are scheduled for the Kid Zone. “Artwork is the dimension that makes people’s lives more fulfilling,” states Joe Wujcik, past award winner and 2011 participating artist in the American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair. “It enhances our lives and beautifies our homes.” The Lexington Art League’s programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. The annual Campaign for the Arts has raised millions of dollars in support of the visual, literary and performing arts in Lexington. Through the success of the Campaign, LexArts supports The Lexington Art League with an allocation of $62,000 for general operating support. We thank the many individuals whose passion for the arts compelled them to give generously of their time and money. Together these donations helped LexArts raise more than $1 million for the arts community. Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the Kentucky Arts Council for their continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports the Lexington Art League with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Sponsor Information: Title, Presenting & Lead Sponsors American Founders Bank SC Johnson All-In-One Cleaning System Chiro One Wellness Centers Good Foods Market & Café TravelHost of the Bluegrass Don Jacobs Honda, BMW, Volkswagen, Used Cars The Salon Professional Academy Local First Lexington Panera Bread Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky in Georgetown G&J Pepsi Bottling Company Media Partners LEX 18 Smiley Pete Publishing WUKY, NPR Rocks at 91.3 Award Sponsors 859Print Bluegrass Mailing Data and Fulfillment Services DelCotto Law Group PLLC Fitzsimons Office of Architecture Reinhold Group Sarah Davies Design Fresh Market Panera Good Foods Market & Café Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky in Georgetown National College Local First Lexington Bluegrass Community and Technical College www.ecopetsstore.com SC Johnson All-In-One Cleaning System Special Thanks 859Print Beau Graphics Bluegrass Community and Technical College (Bike Check) Mothers of Pre-Schoolers at Tates Creek Christian Church (Baby-Changing Station) PODs Brand Containers of Lexington Ruth Hancock for Carol Lynn Originals About LAL The Lexington Art League’s programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. The annual Campaign for the Arts has raised millions of dollars in support of the visual, literary and performing arts in Lexington. Through the success of the Campaign, LexArts supports The Lexington Art League with an allocation of $62,000 for general operating support. We thank the many individuals whose passion for the arts compelled them to give generously of their time and money. Together these donations helped LexArts raise more than $1 million for the arts community. Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the Kentucky Arts Council for their continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports the Lexington Art League with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Lexington Art League is Lexington's oldest and largest visual arts organization. LAL envisions visual art as the lens through which central Kentucky will distinguish itself as a progressive, inclusive and vibrant region. LAL presents original and creative programs, with a reputation for thought-provoking content that illuminates the role of visual art in contemporary life. Please visit www.lexingtonartleague.org for more information. About American Founders Bank American Founders Bank, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., has banking offices in Lexington (4), Louisville (2) and Shelbyville, Ky., with over $430 million in assets. AFB combines the professional acumen of a large regional financial institution with the personalized attention of a local bank. AFB offers consumer banking, lending and mortgage products in addition to business banking services. More information and online banking is available at www.afbusa.com. About Lexington Parks & Recreation Department The Lexington Parks & Recreation Department operates and maintains more than 100 parks covering more than 4,000 acres, providing quality green space for the public to enjoy. The Parks & Recreation system includes athletics, after-school programs, aquatics, community centers, cultural arts, day camps, dog runs, equestrian, golf, natural areas, playgrounds, rental facilities, senior adult programs, special events, therapeutic recreation, walking trails and open spaces for passive recreation. For more information, visit www.lexingtonky.gov/index.aspx?page=198 or, better yet, get out and play! ##### Current and Upcoming LAL Exhibitions More is More LAL @ Loudoun House | 209 Castlewood Dr., Lexington, KY July 22 – September 10, 2011 More Is More, curated by Melissa Vandenberg, examines a common tendency toward the use of multiples in contemporary creative practice. The evidence is the widespread use of repeating objects and imagery in today’s studios. This trend, which seems to embrace materialism and consumerism, has evolved into its abundant form with the influence of manufacturing, engineering and technology. However, we are more than post-industrial grandchildren responding to a circumstance of repetition and sameness. These serial acts have profound emotive implications. This exhibit offers those investigating multiplies, seriality and abundance, regardless of genre, a pulpit from which to preach the word of MORE. The Mezzanine Gallery at the Government Center, Curated by LAL Thru September 9, 2011 Now in its third installment at its new location, the Mezzanine Gallery at the Government Center above Mayor Jim Gray’s office will feature recent works by Jennifer Reis and Stacey Chinn. Reis and Chinn are also the jurors for 2011’s American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair. The Government Center: 200 East Main St., Lexington, KY 40507 Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri 9a – 5p. For more information, visit www.lexingtonartleague.org or call 859.254.7024. The Lexington Art League’s programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. The annual Campaign for the Arts has raised millions of dollars in support of the visual, literary and performing arts in Lexington. Through the success of the Campaign, LexArts supports The Lexington Art League with an allocation of $62,000 for general operating support. We thank the many individuals whose passion for the arts compelled them to give generously of their time and money. Together these donations helped LexArts raise more than $1 million for the arts community. Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the Kentucky Arts Council for their continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports the Lexington Art League with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.