Mark your calendars and gather your family and friends—the Wickford Art Festival is back for its 62nd year on July 12th and 13th, 2025 (9am-4pm), and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends of the summer!

Hosted by the Wickford Art Association, this much-loved event brings together creativity, community, and summertime charm in beautiful Wilson Park, just steps from the scenic waterfront village of Wickford, Rhode Island.

Some of the first-time artists joining the fun include Donna Grande of New Jersey, whose bright, expressive watercolors are sure to lift your spirits, and Sema Gurerk, a talented jewelry artist who grew up in Istanbul and brings an elegant, global flair to her intricate designs. You’ll also want to meet festival favorites like Julie Brayton, who’s been painting since she was 13 and believes that “creativity – both on and off the canvas – is a healing force that allows us to embrace, tell, and own our stories in transformative, ultimately joyful ways.”

The talent doesn’t stop there—Rhode Island’s own new artists are making a splash too! Helen DiQuinzio, who discovered her passion for abstract art in the 1970s, is joining the festival for the first time. Be sure to check out Jennifer Avallone from Providence, whose quilling art turns tiny strips of paper into intricate masterpieces.

From Jamestown, Erica Klein of Hot Fluff creates miniature fine jewelry inspired by nostalgic objects, delighting the “inner child” in us all. And don’t miss Sammia Atoui of MiraMar Print Lab , whose imaginative, limited-edition prints “bring together a bit of sweet and salt to make beautiful and beastly images of familiar lore and local scenes."

Alongside all this fresh talent, the Wickford Art Festival is also thrilled to welcome back veteran artists whose work keeps fans coming back year after year. Look for Cate Brown, a North Kingstown native known for her bold and beautiful ocean photography, and Flo Kemp, who returns from New York with her soft ground etchings, accompanied by her daughter Karen Kemp, an expert in monotype prints. You’ll also see classic New England landscapes and vibrant poppy fields by crowd-favorite Carlos Rios, along with the dreamy fine photography of Judith Secco, and award-winning acrylics by Bruce Dumas, who travels the country exhibiting at top fine art shows.

Also returning this year: Jillian Barber of Jamestown with her enchanting ceramic masks and mythical creatures; Shane Dorey, now in his fourth year at the festival; and Tammy Blais from Groton, CT, whose cheerful, textured paintings she describes as “unique and happy… whimsical in nature, textured and light.”

With over 200 juried artists working across a wide range of mediums—from painting and photography to sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, block printing and more—there’s something for everyone to explore, admire, and even take home. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant open-air gallery in Wilson Park, enjoy live demonstrations, chat with artists, and take a short walk into historic Wickford Village, where they’ll find colonial homes, waterfront restaurants, harbor views, and locally-owned shops. The North Kingston Arts Council will have musicians like Graham Peck, Seatbelt, Sybil and Steve Pierce, and Joel Beauchaine playing live music throughout the trail that leads to-and-from Wickford Village as well as on the field. Attendees can look forward to food by favorites like Bee’s BBQ, and Finn’s Fresh Crepes as well as new additions to the festival; Haven Brother’s, Newport Creamery and Mumsy’s Ice Cream. We are also excited to offer a wine or beer tent serving Gooseneck Vineyards and Whalers Brewing Company on the field for the first time!

Whether you’re a long-time collector, a first-time visitor, or just looking for a fun weekend outing with family and friends, the Wickford Art Festival is the place to be this July.

For more details about the festival, including a list of artists and easy event parking information, visit www.wickfordart.org. Looking to join us and be part of this Rhode Island fine-art and family tradition? Sign up to volunteer today!