Brookline is making a name for itself as a premiere arts destination, thanks to the success of one of its most treasured events, the Coolidge Corner Arts Festival (CCAF). The 38th Annual CCAF will take place this coming Saturday, June 4 at Devotion School, 345 Harvard Street, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Over 75 local and nationally recognized juried artists will be displaying and selling their works across a variety of artistic mediums, including ceramics, glass, watercolor, and photography, making it a prominent event on this season’s bustling art festival circuit. The 2016 CCAF Committee, which is made up of five local business owners and merchants reviewed more than 170 applications from artists throughout the Northeast before making their final selections.
“Each year we receive more and more applications from so many talented artists,” said Lea Cohen, a long-time organizer of the CCAF and member of the 2016 CCAF Committee. “It is always challenging to choose a final list of exhibitors, but we are really excited this year to have such a diverse array of styles and so many exquisite pieces on display for everyone to enjoy. “
Works from ceramist Elizabeth Benotti, winner of the 2016 Susan Lichter Jury Prize by the CCAF Committee, will also be showcased. The award is named in honor of the late CCAF Committee member Susan Lichter. Benotti, a native of Massachusetts, spent a number of years out in Colorado and California studying ceramics before settling back East in New Hampshire. Currently residing in Concord, her works have appeared in New England Design Magazine, Bon Appetit, Country Living, and HGTV Magazine.
Like last year, festival goers will be able to nibble on sumptuous treats from the Boston Food Truck Alliance as they browse and buy. They will also be able to partake in a glass of wine or a cold beer provided by Hive for the first time this year while enjoying the music of DJ Magic Mark who will be playing starting at noon.
“This is more than an art event – it is a great community event,” Cohen remarked. “The food and music helps to create a fun and lively atmosphere for everyone. We are hoping for a strong turnout and lots of sunshine!”
This year’s CCAF is thrilled to be a stop along Brookline’s inaugural Porchfest, a community music event in which over 50 local porches and venues will be teeming with live music from all genres including jazz, rock, and classical on Saturday, June 4 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Musicians from Porchfest, a collaboration between ArtsBrookline and the Brookline Music School, are slated to play at the CCAF from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The raindate for Porchfest is Saturday, June 11.
The CCAF is a cornerstone event for ArtsBrookline – A Season of Arts 2016 which has focused on organizing and promoting the best events in art, music, theatre, dance, and literature and beyond in Brookline during the months of April, May, and June since 2013.
Free and open to the public, the CCAF will be held rain or shine and can be accessed by taking the “C” Green Line to Coolidge Corner or via the #66 bus.
