For Release in the Most Appropriate Issue of Your Publication:

(Press contact: Steven Bates, Fair Director 845-809-5167)
Print 2008 ACF Press Release

August 16th & 17th, 2008

GARRISON ART CENTER 39th ANNUAL FINE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Press Release: GREAT LOCAL EVENT IN SUPPORT OF GARRISON ART CENTER

(For more details refer to ACF Exhibitor and Acoustic Music Series releases)

Location: Garrison Art Center (GAC) & Garrison's Landing Riverfront Park

Dates/Times: Saturday 8/16 and Sunday 8/17 10am - 5pm (rain or shine)

Price: $5 per visitor, children under 12 free

Directions/Fair info: www.garrisonartcenter.org, then click "Arts & Crafts Fair"

Address: 23 Garrison's Landing, P.O. Box 4, Garrison, NY 10524

Phone/email: 845-424-3960

On August 16th and 17th, 2008, Garrison Art Center's 39th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Fair (ACF) continues its tradition as a premier event in the Hudson Valley for collectors of fine art and craft. Organized by Garrison Art Center (GAC), a not-for-profit community cultural organization, the event is a longstanding community event and an important annual fundraiser. High standards, and the beautiful Garrison's Landing riverfront site, attract over 80 regionally and nationally known artists. Stately willows, views of West Point, the visiting Sloop Woody Guthrie, gourmet food artisans and wineries, delicious picnic options from GAC's Food Tent & Grill, and remarkable crafts will likely attract over 8,000 visitors this year.

Many visitors will step off the train to step into the fair using the new Metro-North One Day Getaway Discount Package (for information www.mta.info or call 800-METRO-INFO). Less than an hour drive from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, the event is a bargain for those staying local this summer. Parking is free and admission to the fair is $5 (children under 12 free). To review directions, special events, the 2008 Exhibitor's List, or print out an Acoustic Music Series Performance Schedule visit www.garrisonartcenter.org, click "Arts & Crafts Fair" (or call 845-424-3960).

Juried work includes ceramics, basketry, jewelry, fiber arts, paintings and prints, woodwork, glass, toys, sculpture, metalwork, photography, decorative arts, gourmet specialty foods, & boatbuilding. WHO'S THERE? Review the 2008 Exhibitor List by visiting www.garrisonartcenter.org,

click "Arts & Crafts Fair", and "Who's There?"

The ACF has additional, truly special events. During the fair visitors can enjoy the Acoustic Music Series (AMS) presenting performances by Swing du Jour, Tiki Daddy, The Ebony Hillbillies, and the Blue Vipers of Brooklyn. Maritime displays include hand crafted wooden kayaks by Riverschoolboats, and free Hudson River rides on the visiting Sloop Woody Guthrie. The GAC Food Tent & Grill has volunteers home-cooking something for everybody! You'll find hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled eggplant, farm fresh salads and corn on the cob. Also Whitecliff Vineyards and other gourmet food artisans are in to provide their gourmet offerings.

GAC's Gillete and Balter Galleries display artwork by students of the GAC Summer Art Institute. The Ceramics department and store are open with wheel demonstrations and ceramics for sale.

GAC has invited in local community organizations to highlight their programs including Scenic Hudson, the Beacon Sloop Club, and the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce.

Best part of the Fair? Proceeds fund GAC's terrific programming for adults and children all year!