The 31st annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival returns to downtown Norwich this weekend.
The free outdoor festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 in East and West Parks in the city.
Colorscape’s Board of Directors has dedicated this year’s festival in memory of long-time volunteer and donor Mary El Emerson, who passed away in June, according to a news release. “Mary El’s steadfast support and passion for the arts enriched both the Festival and the community for decades. She believed deeply in the power of creativity to bring people together, and her encouragement, generosity, and love of the arts will continue to inspire all who gather at Colorscape,” the release stated.
The festival will open Saturday at 10 a.m. with a performance by Six Mile Craic, followed by the opening ceremony at 10:45, featuring the presentation of the 2025 Colors Cape Award presentation to Melissa deCordova, the Volunteer of the Year to Mindy Chawgo, and celebrating Emerson’s legacy.
A total of 120 juried artists will showcase and sell their work, including paintings, sculpture, fabric art, fine crafts, photography and more. This year, 25 artists are exhibiting at Colorscape for the first time, according to the release. Professional artists travel from across the Northeast to participate in the festival, which has been recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine among the top 100 fine art and design festivals in the country.
Colorscape also celebrates performing arts, with live entertainment across three stages. The weekend lineup features performers in folk, blues and rock, including The Kennedys, Burns and Kristy Trio, Best Folk Album Grammy nominee Dom Flemons, folk singer Eric Andersen — whose songs have been recorded by artists such as Ricky Nelson, Peter Paul and Mary, Johnny Cash, The Grateful Dead, and Mary Chapin Carpenter among others, two-time National Poetry Slam champion Sierra DeMulder, Ugandan artist Samite, pedal steel guitar gospel group The Campbell Brothers, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and many others.
Art Zones will offer attendees free opportunities to create. Children from preschool through age 9 can enjoy activities in the Kids’ Art Zone, while those ages 10 and older can experiment with new materials in the Golden Art Zone, sponsored by Golden Artist Colors. Families can also find free creative activities along Nonprofit Row, in partnership with local organizations, the release stated.
The 2025 Colors Cape Award will be presented to deCordova “in recognition of her years of dedication and support of the Festival,” the release stated. Each year, the award is given to a community partner whose contributions make it possible to sustain and grow Colorscape’s mission of celebrating the arts in Chenango County. deCordova served on the Colorscape Board of Directors for more than 20 years, with tenures as both vice president and president, the release stated. She is recognized for securing grant funding and leading fundraising efforts that ensured the Festival’s continued success and growth. “Melissa’s passion, persistence, and vision have shaped Colorscape into what it is today,” said Laura Parker, board president. “Her countless hours of work have strengthened the festival and set it up to thrive for generations to come.”
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Chawgo for her “outstanding service and commitment to Colorscape,” the release stated. Established in 2012 in memory of Susan Connelly, Colorscape’s first volunteer coordinator, the award honors individuals who embody her dedication and passion for the Festival. “Mindy has been the driving force of Colorscape’s Culinary Court for many years. She is deeply community-minded, giving her time and talents generously to countless organizations that enrich our region in addition to Colorscape,” said Michele Ericksen, executive director. “Her energy, dedication and unwavering commitment always goes above and beyond, making Norwich as a whole not only a stronger community but also a more vibrant place to live.”
The event will be held, rain or shine.