John Bryan, the city's historic sites facilitator, said events at Hager House still will fall under the same theme as Frontier Craft Days, which for 34 years highlighted the 18th-century traditions and crafts from the time of Hagerstown's founder, Jonathan Hager.
Roughly 50 artists, craft and food vendors are expected at the Hager House grounds. Other activities include lectures at the Railroad Museum and artists painting outside of Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and Mansion House.
Artist Bob Wantz of Hagerstown will be doing landscapes in the art museum's parking lot.
"People like to watch people paint - even if it's a door or something like that," said Wantz, a teacher at the art museum. "I might do a snow scene. It might cool people off a bit."
Wantz has spent nearly half his life working as a professional artist. Watercolor is his medium of choice.
"You don't know what's going to happen when the pigment hits the paper. That's what makes it exciting," Wantz said of watercolor painting. "It's sort of serendipity, discovery by accident."
Painter Ski Holm will join Wantz at the art museum. Tressler said 10 artists will be painting at Mansion House.
Autumn Arts Festival schedule
Events are scheduled at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Mansion House Art Gallery, Hagerstown Railroad Museum and Hager House from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hay rides will transport people between venues. City Park concession stand will be open both days.
At Jonthan Hager House and Museum
Throughout the day, craft and food vendors will be on hand. There also will be a French and Indian War encampment.
Events on Saturday and Sunday include:
· 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -discounted tours of Hager House. Adult admission, $2. Tours start every half-hour.
· Noon to 4 p.m. - pony rides; petting zoo; a "Little Heiskell" re-enactor; and Appalachian music
Saturday-only events:
· Noon and 2 p.m. - music by Flat Foot Holler
· Noon and 2 p.m. - music by Furnace Mountain
· 1 and 3 p.m. - music by Voxology
· 1 and 3 p.m. - music by Mary Dailey
At Mansion House Art Gallery
Events on Saturday and Sunday include:
· 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - 10 art demonstrators on Mansion House porch; Civil War re-enactors
Sunday-only events include:
· 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - children's art activities; artwork created at the event will be displayed at the gallery for two weeks
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts
Saturday-only events
· 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Children's activities: leaf printing, watercolor butterflies, "My Name" art center and scratch art; balloon sculpting and face painting; musical performances at the museum's Lakeside Garden.
· Noon - Ballet and All That Jazz performs
· 1 p.m. - Smithsburg High School Jazz Ensemble performs
Sunday-only events:
· Noon - magician Hugh McVeagh performs
· 2:30 p.m. - music by rock band Too Human
At Hagerstown Railroad Museum
Saturday and Sunday events include:
· Noon to 4 p.m. - barrel cart train rides
· 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - "Operation Lifesaver," a train safety program; model railroad/signal displays; caboose tours/guest speaker; museum open for tours
If you go ...
WHAT: Autumn Arts Festival
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16
WHERE: City Park, Hagerstown
COST: Free admission
MORE: For more information about the Autumn Arts Festival, call 301-739-8393.
