Francisco's Farm Arts Festival to be held May 20-21

The 2017 Francisco's Farm Art Festival will be held at Midway University Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The www.franciscosfarm.org website has updated information including lists of the more than 80 artists, food vendors and musical acts. Entrance to the festival is free; parking on campus is $5 per vehicle.

Thoroughbred broom  by Justin Burton

"The festival organizers are excited about this year's festival and have been working hard on plans to provide visitors with another great experience of shopping for unique art, enjoying great food and relaxing on Midway's beautiful university campus while listening to local musicians," the university and Midway Renaissance said in a press release.

"There are many wonderful artists attending this year's festival," said Helen Rentch, who is Renaissance's main liaison with artists. "We have acrylic and watercolor artists, photography, mixed media, pottery, woodworking, broom makers, paper and other textiles as well as jewelry. This year's festival will include artists from 15 states and Canada and many new artists." Some will do demonstrations, and there will be a display by popular folk artist Jo Ann Butts.

Folk art by Jo Ann Butts

Butts will also demonstrate wood carving. Artist Lou Hii will demonstrate the art of Chinese paper cutting. Berea artist Justin Burton will demonstrate the art of broom making, as illustrated by his "Thoroughbred broom" pictured above.

"We will have music throughout the Festival, some delicious food and activities for children sponsored by the Woodford County Library, in addition to the wonderful art for customers to purchase," said Debra Shockley, the festival co-chair.

Chinese paper art by Lou Hii

Francisco's Farm is a fully volunteer-driven event. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to complete the volunteer form on the website at www.franciscosfarm.org.

The festival is named for Col. John Francisco, on whose farm Midway was founded in the 1830s.