Mystic Outdoor Art Festival celebrates its 66th year and adds entertainment

Sponsored by The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, the art festival is the oldest juried art show in the Northeast and offers a trail of artists stretching more than a mile long who will be showcasing their work in booths along the way. Look for fine arts and crafts including oils, watercolors, photography, textiles, sculpture, woodwork and acrylics. The trail of artists begins in downtown Mystic on Cottrell Street and follows the Mystic River into the shipyard of the Mystic Seaport Museum.

The festival, which is free to the public, will also feature activities and artwork for all ages to enjoy, including a Children’s Art Park located outside Anchor Café & Sweets, a Performing Arts Stage in Mystic River Park and plenty of food and beverages available from vendors who will be stationed throughout the area.

The Children’s Art Park will feature activities created by staff from local museums including Lyman Allyn Art Museum. The Mystic Museum of Art will feature a project called “Nature Tint-and-Print,” which will allow children to use watercolors and stamps to create their own mini wildlife scenes. 

The Performing Arts Stage, presented by The Garde Arts Center of New London, will be located in Mystic River Park on Cottrell Street, with performances taking place from 11 am. to 5 p.m. 

Chamber President Bruce Flax said he enlisted the aid of Nicole DiMattei, the artistic director of Westerly’s Granite Theatre, and Anthony Caporale, an Off-Broadway producer, to help shape this year’s arts stage. In addition to Migliazza, who will give a solo performance from 12:15 to 1 p.m., singer and songwriter Bergin O’Malley will take the stage as will members of the Connecticut Lyric Opera, The Mystic Seaport Museum Tale-Makers, Mystic Paper Beasts, The Mystic Chamber Music Series and students from the Granite Theatre’s Summer Camp Showcase. Local artist Frank Colmenares will also give a performance.

Art strollers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets in order to better enjoy the entertainment.