Mantua – This Saturday once again, the 13th annual Art on the Hill festival takes place at Prospect Street and State Route 44 in Mantua. “We have a great mix of artisans this year,” shared event organizer Christine Pitsinger. “At 80 artisans, it’s a record number for us, with lots of new craftsmen and women joining us this year.”
The festival features a variety of food options, from local eateries — including Jake’s Restaurant, R44 Butcher & Baker, and Kira’s Sweet Bakes as well as food trucks offering a variety of options as well.
In addition, the festival will feature wine tastings from four area wineries: CLE Urban Winery in Cleveland Heights, West Main Street Winery in Ravenna, Old Peck House in Mantua, and Feisty Brood Meadery in Northfield. Each establishment will offer tastings for visitors of legal age, as well as the ability to purchase full bottles.
In addition to a Chinese auction of items from local vendors, this year’s festival will also include the opportunity for artists of all ages and abilities to participate in the plein air contest. Registered artists may complete artwork from 10 am until noon that day to be considered for judging. Newly created pieces will be judged and can be auctioned off, sharing proceeds among the artist and the DMRC.
As in previous years, there will be a photo contest for youths and adults in multiple categories. In addition to the opportunity to win cash prizes, winning entries may be featured in a Mantua-themed calendar, the purchase of which supports DMRC efforts.
The all-day festival also features entertainment, musical performances, and a children’s tent full of activities for younger visitors. The Merchant Circle features local businesses and services including the Portage Park Foundation, American Legion, and area businesses.
With ample free parking (especially near Advanced Rehab on nearby Mill Street) and free admission, the one-day event is sure to have something for the whole family. “The event takes place rain or shine and is a wonderful place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for friends or items for yourself,” Pitsinger added.
“This is the DMRC’s main fundraising effort,” Pitsinger explained. The DMRC provides funding for projects throughout the village, making improvements to Buchert Park, helping fund sidewalk projects, and other initiatives not possible with the Village’s limited budget. “It takes lots of sponsors to make the event possible, and we appreciate each one of them,” she noted. The event also runs smoothly thanks to a host of volunteers.
The event began a dozen years ago, an idea shared by Pitsinger and Becky Newell. The two friends shared a thought to hold an art festival to bring people into Mantua. Though they had no experience and no funding, they gained cooperation from many to help grow the festival into what it is today. When Newell left the area, Pitsinger continued running the festival, with Terri Vechery joining in to help during recent years. Sadly, Newell passed away last year, leaving a hole in the hearts of those who knew her. In her honor, the Becky Newell Award will be given out this year to a local individual who goes above and beyond to support the community, just as Newell did.
The festival takes place in the heart of Mantua at Prospect Street and State Route 44. For more information about Art on the Hill, call (330) 414-6486.
Photo montage courtesy of Art on the Hill/DMRC
