ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — The 32nd annual Ithaca Artist Market takes place Friday, August 16th from noon to 7:30 p.m. at the Ithaca Farmers Market pavilion.

All 88 booths in the pavilion will be filled with local fine and functional artists. The market is a program of the Community Arts Partnership and aims to give artists and their audiences the chance to connect one-on-one.

Community Arts and Partnership Program and Grant Director Robin Schwartz says one of the most amazing things about the market is the ability to get to actually meet the artists.

“One of the special things about buying art is getting to actually have a conversation with the artist you’re buying from.”

Wheel thrown pottery, fiber arts, fine jewelry, quilts and textiles, and ceramic art are just a few of the many types of artisan products found at the Ithaca Artist Market. The artists and vendors are selected by an independent jury once the application deadline has ended, with priority given to artists in Tompkins County.

The Community Arts Partnership gives away approximately $500,000 in grant money every year, wanting to form closer relationships between the artists that create here and the community.

“Visual artists tend to work in isolation, so being able to bring them out into the pavilion is helpful. It’s also a strong tourist asset to Tompkins County. It helps show why Tompkins County is such a great place to live, there’s so many talented artists living here,” says Schwartz.

Not only is there a long list of artists to visit with, but there is also live music from the East Hill Jazz Club from noon to 7:30 p.m. The East Hill Jazz Club has been performing at the market for about thirty years, with member Doug Robinson organizing their performances there.

There will be additional performances from the Harmony Falls Chorus at 1:30 p.m. and SingTreece at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. as well. Discover Cayuga Lake will also be doing a boat tour at 7:30 p.m., which will require the purchase of a ticket, $25 for adults and $10 for kids.

“My favorite part is to walk around and stop and chat with the artists, just being able to engage with them is really rewarding,” Schwartz remarks about the market.

The Ithaca Artist Market wouldn’t be possible if not for the businesses that sponsor the Community Arts Partnership, which Robin Schwartz expressed strong gratitude for. Registration for the market is encouraged and also enters participants in a raffle, with an online form available here.

To learn more about the Community Arts Partnership and the specifics of the Ithaca Artist Market, click here.