Maine woodworker, sculptor and furniture maker Thomas Dahlke’s sense of visual humor extends to tables, desks and cabinets with deer feet, sheep legs and horses’ hooves, all beautifully carved and embellished with miniature paintings.

Meet over 260 extraordinary artists and master craft makers traveling from every corner of the country to show off original works in ceramics, painting, decorative fiber, art glass, furniture, jewelry, metal, mixed media, photography, large-scale sculpture, wearable art and woodworking.

The award-winning Paradise City Arts Festival opens to the public at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, Massachusetts on Memorial Day Weekend, May 24, 25 & 26 – all indoors and under tents. One of the most spectacular fairs of fine crafts, painting and sculpture in the country, this fair was named the “#1 Arts Festival in America” in 2008 by American Style Magazine.

Enjoy sensational cuisine by Northampton’s best chefs and catch live performances by nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians. Stroll through a flowering sculpture garden filled with artful delights, visit special exhibits, demonstrations and activities… all compelling reasons to visit Northampton for the long holiday weekend.

“Laughing Matters!”
Fine and functional art are usually taken quite seriously. Why are Paradise City’s artists up to some serious funny business this spring? “Laughing Matters!,” the special exhibit in the Arena Building, explores the visual lexicon of all that makes us smile. From visual puns and exaggeration to satire and whimsy, this year’s exhibitors prove that a little levity can go a very long way.

Fabulous Food and Cool Jazz under the Festival Dining Tent
“The food soars beyond expectations,” writes Boston Magazine. The Festival Dining Tent is a microcosm of Northampton’s vibrant restaurant scene, with recipes that span the globe. Expect lots of tasty surprises from the region’s restaurants at this spring’s show, using locally grown foods straight from the Valley’s farms. Restaurants include Local Burger, Sierra Grille, Spoleto, Amber Waves, India House, Pizzeria Paradiso, Bart’s Homemade Ice Cream, Mama Iguana’s and the Great Wall. While dining, enjoy the Art Steele Blues Band on Saturday; The Valley Jazz Divas on Sunday; and Viva Quetzal on Memorial Day.

Giraffe by Chris Williams at the Paradise City Arts Festival. — Giraffe Roams Paradise City! Chris Williams. Large-scale sculpture dominates the landscape outdoors at the Paradise City Arts Festival.

Family Activities

Join master ceramist and raconteur Tim Scull, star of the WGBY/PBS program ‘The Fire Within’, as he captivates young and old alike in Booth 700. Tim shares the secrets of his studio, discusses raku firing and demonstrates his expertise on the potter’s wheel all weekend long.

Roll up your sleeves and learn clay sculpture with Alan & Rosemary Bennett in Booth 401. A spellbinding teacher, Bennett loves working with children. All ages can exercise their creativity with clay!

Big Wheel Press gives kids (and their parents) a hands-on opportunity to try non-digital-age-printing on recycled paper. Using humorous antique engravings as well as original art carved by Big Wheel artists, you can put together your own version of ‘Laughing Matters.’ Create your own coasters and note cards on a 100-year-old letterpress!

Admission: Adults: $13.00, Seniors: $11..00, Students: $8..00. 12 and under free. Three-Day Pass: $16.00. Free Parking. Free full color program with admission.

The events will take place in four buildings and under tents, rain or shine at the 3 County Fairgrounds at 54 Old Ferry Rd., off Rt. 9

Northampton, MA. I-91 at Exit 19 or 20. When: May 24, 25 & 26, 2014, Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm; Monday, 10am-4pm.

Call 800-511-9725 or visit www.paradisecityarts.com for show and travel information.