For Immediate Release …April 25, 2007

ARTISTS MAY SELL OR DISPLAY

MAIN STREET TRANSFORMS INTO A VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL

June 15-16, 2007 - Friday 5-9PM AND Saturday 10AM-5PM

Hosted by the Main Street Area Association in Hamilton, OH

Festival of the Arches takes place to celebrate the renaissance of the Main Street Business District with Hamilton’s newest landmark, the High-Main Street Bridge. Main Street’s canvas includes the Great Miami River and the Rossville Historic District where you will find Hamilton’s architectural marvels, the 17 extraordinary B Street Arches AND the five archways of the newly constructed bridge, which offers scenic viewing of the Great Miami River. Festival of the Arches includes an exclusive indoor/outdoor Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, the kickoff of the City of Sculpture County Seat Project, Wine Tasting, Classic Car Show, Food AND Entertainment.

This is a special invitation to become part of a TWO-DAY EXHIBITION on Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

INVITATIONAL PROCESS AND IMPORTANT DATES

Artist application deadline is May 15. Confirmation by email or telephone along with assigned set-up area will be no later than June 1. Additional applications may be accepted after deadline date if space is available. Artisans may set-up inside businesses, on sidewalks in front of businesses, or in a 10’x10’ area under large tents provided at Main & South “D” Streets (Armstead Park). Artisans wishing to exhibit on sidewalks or in tents must bring their own props. The Festival of the Arches committee strives to accommodate the location requested by artisans.

SET UP BEFORE JUDGING

Artisans participating in judging must set up their displays on Friday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other artisans must set up by 5 p.m. on Friday. Arrangements may be made with individual businesses to set up early (Thursday evening) if necessary.

AWARDS

Ribbons, Rosettes, Trophy, Cash Awards and Gift Certificates are awarded to participating artisans. Awards include $200 and Trophy for “Best of Show” along with $50 (excluding Best of Show winner) and Rosettes for “Best of Division”. Divisions include Fine Arts (Drawing, Mixed Media, Oil and Acrylic, Printmaking, Watercolor), Photography, Sculpture (Metal, Wood Carving, Mixed Media) and Crafts (Dolls, Basketry, Ceramics/Pottery, Fiber, Glass/Stained Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Wearable Art).

JUDGING

Judging begins at 4:00 p.m. Friday June 15. Ribbons and Gift Certificates are awarded at that time. Best of Show Trophy, Best of Division Rosettes and Cash Awards are awarded Saturday June 16.

HAMILTON, OH, CITY OF SCULPTURE KICKS OFF ITS COUNTY SEAT PROJECT DURING THIS INAUGURAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARCHES EVENT. The City of Hamilton showcases 38 unique benches designed and created by local artists as part of the City of Sculpture’s County Seat Project.  Finished benches with the names of the artists and sponsors will be displayed along the Main Street / High Street business corridor with special attention given to the newly opened Main/High Bridge. Benches will be judged and cash awards given at 11:00 AM Saturday during Festival of the Arches at Armstead Park at Main and D Street.  This exhibition will continue through August.  During the summer, benches will be moved to display locations around the community, drawing attention to businesses, points of interest, and scenic locations around Hamilton, our County seat.  Although most benches will ultimately be owned by the sponsors of this City of Sculpture project, 13 benches will be available for an online auction during the summer. Information on the benches will be available at the Hamilton Welcome Center located at One High Street, by calling 513-895-3934, or through visiting www.cityofsculpture.org

ALSO ON SCHEDULE DURING THE FESTIVAL OF THE ARCHES:

• Senior Citizens 5K Run and Entertainment that includes the Franz Klaber Band on Friday evening
• Classic Car Cruise-In on Saturday with DJ Rockin’ Rick
• Entertainment at the Armstead Park Gazebo
• Beer Garden and Wine Tasting Activities with Entertainment

Participating businesses on the first five blocks of Main Street and side streets will again host area artists and offer refreshments for this annual event. Visitors to Main Street will also be eligible for door prizes during the event by picking up a brochure at participating Main Street Business, getting proprietor signatures at each stop of the Festival of the Arches, and turning the brochure in at the end of the evening on Friday OR Saturday. It’s that simple. Winners are notified by telephone the following week.

The Main Street Area Association (MSAA) in Hamilton, OH, is an active membership organization working together to promote, revitalize, and maintain the Main Street neighborhood and business district. Tim Meehan, President of the Main Street Area Association, says that this event is an opportunity to allow visitors to casually stroll and view interesting art while becoming acquainted with local shop and businesses.

Any artist interested in becoming a part of the Festival of the Arches juried exhibition, please contact Nancy Bruns at (513) 887-0583 or email nancybruns@fuse.net. For more information on the Festival of the Arches event activities, please call Debra Fescina Rulon of the Greater Hamilton CVB at (513) 844-8080 or e-mail hamiltonohcvb@fuse.net .

Directions: From I75, take exit 24 (SR 129) and travel westbound into Hamilton continuing straight onto High Street. Continue traveling westbound on High Street approximately 10 blocks to cross the High Street Bridge over the Great Miami River onto Main Street in Hamilton, OH.

CONTACTS:

Nancy Bruns, Festival of the Arches Co-Chair, 513-887-0583 or nancybruns@fuse.net

Tim Meehan, MSAA President, 513-887-9001; 513-727-7603; or tmeehan@wausapaper.com

Media Release Prepared by:

Debbie Fescina Rulon

Greater Hamilton CVB

One High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011

513-844-8080; 513-720-5482 cell or HamiltonOHCVB@fuse.net