GREENWICH, CT .- The Bruce Museum's 28th Annual Outdoor Arts Festival will be taking place, October 10 and 11, on the grounds of the Museum. The Festival is a juried event featuring more than 90 artists selected from across the country. Their paintings, photography, drawings, prints, sculptures, and mixed media pieces are all available for purchase. The Festival also features live music on both days as well as a variety of food choices. Many fun, educational family activities are on hand, including a children's drawing contest and entertainment geared towards a younger audience.

Exhibitors compete for cash prizes in six categories: oils and acrylic on canvas; watercolor and acrylic on paper and under glass; graphics and drawings; mixed media; sculpture; and photography. In addition to individual category prizes, there are two major awards given: “Museum's Choice Award” and the top prize of “Best in Show.”

“This Festival does so much to enlighten and engage the audience directly by bringing people together through the visual and performing arts,” Festival organizer Sue Gordon explained.

One of the Bruce's most popular events, the event annually draws thousands of visitors. Held rain or shine on the Museum grounds, the two-day festival has been named the #1 Arts Festival in Connecticut. It has won awards for quality, standards, and hospitality from The National Association of Independent Artists. It also takes honors in Sunshine Artist Magazine's review of the Top 200 festivals nationwide.

This year the field of applicants and quality of art has increased, creating a challenge for the Bruce Museum’s jury to limit the selection from the many talented artists vying for a coveted invitation to exhibit at this prestigious show. Artists are attracted by the Museum's strong reputation among the best artists in the country.

“We rely heavily on word of mouth to attract new applicants,” Festival organizer Sue Gordon explained. “Many of the Bruce Museum's members also do a wonderful job of spreading the word across as well recommending the show to outstanding artists.”