Overlea ArtsFest began in 2016 as the cherished dream of a few board members from the Overlea Community Association, with the goal to bring positive attention to the small Northeast Baltimore neighborhood of Overlea. With a small grant from Baltimore County, the first ArtsFest committee designed the blueprint for an inclusive art event that would be respectful to the artists and enjoyable for the community. They reached out to local artist and experienced arts event organizer Mark S. Sanders to direct the focus of ArtsFest and act as its head curator. Thus, ArtsFest 2016 made its debut with a polish not often seen in first-time events.
The scope and professionalism of the festival was recognized with a special resolution award by Councilwoman Cathy Bevins in that first year. ArtsFest grew so quickly, it had to move to a larger venue in 2018. In early 2020 it became a stand-alone 501c3 non-profit organization. And during the pandemic when no other festivals were taking place, ArtsFest staged a week-long virtual art, music & film event that gained international following. In 2021 it moved to its new home at Holt Park & Center for the Arts.
Since then, Overlea Artsfest, Inc. has grown into an arts organization dedicated to supporting new & emerging visual artists of all ages with workshops, business education and opportunities to grow and thrive.
ArtsFest is a very “pro-artist” organization. With our low-cost juried exhibition each year, artists have the option to give volunteer time in lieu of the nominal payment. If their work sells during our event, they are only charged a modest processing fee. And the business education workshops held throughout the year are free for all artists. Attendance for the public is FREE, as are the art and nature activities offered for kids and families. Food and drinks are available during the events.
Overlea ArtsFest, Inc. is run by a committed board (see gray box) of volunteers who work hard to build an arts community that benefits everyone. We welcome participation from schools, students, art galleries, community leaders, artists and art lovers alike.
Join us in making Overlea and Northeast Baltimore a supportive place for the entire arts community!
3D Sculpture entry by Marcia Wolfson Ray, 2017. State Senator Kathy Klausmeier with the Noodle Throne installation, created by tree decorators Mary England & April Gomez, 2017. Councilwoman Cathy Bevins presents official Resolution for Overlea ArtsFest, 2016. Young attendee with Holt Park snake and plant knowledge activity, 2018. Mural photo by Doris Franz-Poling. Other photos by ArtsFest staff.