“A couple of years ago, when we decided we wanted to put those two events together, we really wanted to be able to cater to both people that are interested in the Art Fair aspect as well as people that are fans of live music, and see how we could make one spectacular event,” said Gabi Roach, art and programming manager at Pyramid Hill.
Guests can take a leisurely walk and come home with a handmade or handcrafted item such as a piece of jewelry or a new painting. They will also enjoy live entertainment all weekend.
“This year we are doing a sticker design contest as part of the festival, so we will be taking submissions for that through Friday, August 20. Those are meant to be Art & Music Festival-themed, but they can also just be Pyramid Hill-themed, and they will be printed and sold at the festival,” said Roach.
The children’s programming has also been expanded this year. There will be children’s art-making activities on Saturday. On Sunday, there will be a puppet show and a yoga workshop for children. The huge, interactive Cardboard castle, which was introduced in 2019 will return this year. Children and adults can participate in the castle’s construction.
“As one of our oldest events, we are excited to carry on the tradition. Also, as an institution, we prioritize creating opportunities for artists of all levels, so with the Art & Music Festival, it allows us the opportunity to platform a lot of local artisans and vendors, and it gives them the space to present their work to the community,” said Roach.
“And in combining the two events, it allows us to bring music to Butler County, and to Hamilton, specifically, and we feel the same way about giving opportunities to musicians, especially local and regional acts.”
The festival will feature up to 70 artists, who will be part of a juried show and represent a broad range of art mediums. Many Southwest Ohio artists are expected to participate and will showcase painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry, woodworking, metal, sculptures, mixed-media, wearable art, and more. Artists will have their artwork on display, and it will also be available for sale. The Art & Music Festival will highlight the work of new and seasoned artists.
There will be live musical performances throughout the weekend at the Grand Pavilion. On Saturday, the music line-up will include the Bob Ross Trio, Bunch James, Queen City Silver Stars (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and the headlining act 500 Miles to Memphis (from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) On Sunday, there will be a performance from a local Belly Dance troupe as well as music by Harmless Varmints and the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Art & Music Festival not only supports local artists, but it also gives attendees a chance to tour Pyramid Hill, officials said. Guests can hike on the trails, visit the Ancient Sculpture Museum and contemporary galleries, and explore the more than 75 monumental, outdoor sculptures on the grounds.
Mid-South Sculpture Alliance’s group exhibition, “From the Reject Files: Drawings, Maquette, and Proposals” will also be on view in the contemporary galleries at the Ancient Sculpture Museum.
Also, those who pre-purchase a weekend pass will be able to join Pyramid Hill for the Artist Appreciation Auction on Friday, Sept. 24th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The VIP event will be held at the Pyramid House and will include live music, a silent auction and a cash bar.
How to go
What: Art & Music Festival
Where: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton
When: Saturday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 per carload or $15 for a two-day pass. Food vendors, family-friendly activies. Beer garden. Live music. Members will receive a discounted admission.
More info: Visit www.pyramidhill.org.
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