Positive energy filled the air for the Second Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival on Saturday, August 20th!

Couple dancing during the Warner Theatre's first annual Block Party. Photo by Jamie J. Tilley.

From left: Skip Marsh; "Pipe Dreams" installation at Howard's Bookstore by Sophia Dejesus-Sabella; Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North Band at the Warner Block Party. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

It is estimated that over 2,500+ people attended this years Creative Festival! Artists from across the region, with a diverse selection of styles and mediums, began setting up their booths bright and early for the Artists Fair on Franklin Plaza, anticipating the large crowd of excited patrons to soon follow.

Artist Fair at Franklin Plaza. Photo by Jamie J. Tilley.

"I love that this opportunity exists in my hometown," says Jasmine Bailey, a local artist and vendor, "The collection of creativity that was present in all of the day's activities were amazing and it was wonderful to show my passion to locals alongside other creatives!"

From Left: Magaly Ohika and Jessica Jane Russell of Art Room Atelier; Ryan Dubois; Ash Royer and Amy Smith of Mending Art; TL PhotoPress. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

There were over 150+ artists involved in the production and coordination of the Creative Festival including all of the vendors, open studio artists, performers, musicians, cultural leaders, and volunteers.

From left: Kyrsten Lane's studio; Mya Concepion in her studio; Ethan Brewerton's studio. Photos by Steph Burr.

"The beauty and creativity of the 5th [district] is always amazing to see," Congresswoman Jahana Hayes posted to Facebook, along with photos she took at the event, "Such great talent at the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival!"

KidsPlay Children's Museum staff Bethany Frasco and Tamara Christensen outside the Museum. Photo by Steph Burr.

Sanctuary Power Yoga started the day's activities with an open to all levels yoga class at Coe Park. Down the street, Five Points Gallery had opened their galleries and provided a "make and take" activity on the sidewalk for guests of all ages. The Five Points Launchpad artists, along with many other artists who have studios in town, opened their doors to the public later in the day. At the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, the free ballet class for all ages and all skill levels was full of participants eager to learn. On Main Street, at KidsPlay Children's Museum, families were delighted by the bubble station and a painting activity that allowed kids to create connections between music and painting. The Museum was also open all day. Across the street, the students of the Warner Theatre's Summer Arts Program were performing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, which was made free and open to the public for the festival.

From left: Five Points Gallery activity participants; Jacque Williams performing at Franklin Plaza; Old-Fashioned Candy Making at Nutmeg Fudge Co.; Adelaide Punkin performing on Main Street. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

"I loved being able to provide a hands-on learning experience," said Kristy Barto from the Nutmeg Fudge Co., who had she conducted an old fashioned candy making and taffy pull demonstration with visitors. Kristy had also welcomed a limited number of vendors from the Artist Fair to table in the back of her store. Meanwhile, Jacque Williams performed and DJ'ed at Franklin Plaza in the morning and early afternoon, and buskers from Rock Yer Block performed at various locations though out the day.

From left: Madeline Stenson & Lucinda Rowe; Lee Totten; Frank Viele; Audio Jane. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley

In the evening, the Warner Theatre was excited to present their first annual Block Party with emcee Lucinda Rowe of Red Room Sound Studio. The Main Stage included live performances from Lee Totten, Frank Viele, Audio Jane, and headliners Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North. Between the Main Stage performances, Matica Circus and Cinderfella the fire spinner, entertained the crowd with their captivating talents. Meanwhile, at Franklin Plaza, Two Roads Brewing Co. sponsored a Beer Garden as a fundraiser for the NWCT Arts Council.

From left; Performer from Matica Circus; Warner Theatre; Cinderfella the fire spinner. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

"It was a great day," said Stephen Ivain, festival attendee. "The bands on Main Street at night were great!"

At the end of the day, patrons were feeling the positive energy and good vibes that everyone involved throughout the day had brought to Downtown Torrington. The feeling still lingers as guest anticipate next years festival.

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Visit us on Facebook to see more pictures from the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.

More articles about the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Euphoric Ennui - Welcome to Litchfield

Register Citizen - Torrington Welcomes Visitors to Annual Creative Festival

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Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the second annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Torrington Savings Bank

Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area

Northwest Community Bank

William Raveis Lifestyle Reality

Eversource CT

O&G Industries Inc.

Thomaston Savings Bank

Torrington Downtown Partners

Media Sponsors:

Republican-American
WSHU Radio Station

WAPJ Torrington Community Radio

Block Party Main Stage Sponsors:

Warner Theatre

Red Room Sound Studio

AKC Fund

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Building Healthier Communities Fund

Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North Band. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.