For Immediate Release Media Contact: Pam Jones or Marjorie Beenders
July 24, 2009 Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: pam@tbmg.net
Art & Ambiance Fair Presents the Best of Lake Area Arts
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –Once a year, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks can enjoy highlights of the area’s 95-mile Art & Ambiance Trail all in one location. It’s happening 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8 and 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 9, at the third annual Art & Ambiance Fair at Stone Crest Mall on Highway 54 in Osage Beach. Many of the trail’s prominent artists, craftsmen, galleries, wineries and culinary establishments will showcase and sell their art, food, wine and spirits. The event is free and open to the public, however, donations will be appreciated and forwarded to Habitat for Humanity of Miller County.
“The Art & Ambiance Fair is a wonderful way to experience ‘the good life’ at the Lake, which is what the Art & Ambiance Trail is all about,” says Robin Evers, Stone Crest Mall manager and event chairman. “Everyone who participates in the Trail contributes to the overall culture of the Lake area. Bringing all of these creative and talented people together at the Fair helps present them to the community and to visitors, and that helps everyone as a result.” Last year the event attracted more than 2,000 people.
Evers says this year’s fair will feature more than 40 vendor booths. Fine art on display and available for purchase will include oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings and photography. Skilled artisans and craftspeople will offer their jewelry, handmade iron and copper work, wood carvings, handmade paper and more. Several art galleries will be represented and an art restoration consultant also will be on hand.
An eclectic variety of food and drink will be available. “We’re offering a different twist this year with ‘spirit tasting’ in addition to wine,” Evers says. For example, Touch of Asia will have sake’ and Asian beer to taste and purchase, to accompany its taste-tempting food. JJ at The Copper Pot , Dominos and other “culinary experiences” also will be in attendance. Wineries will include Seven Springs Winery, Meramec Vineyards, Robller Vineyard and Winery, Adam Puchta Winery, Grey Bear Vineyards and Summit Lake Winery; all will offer tastings and wine purchases by the bottle or case.
Fair visitors also will enjoy music and entertainment by popular Lake-area “performance artists” Jackie Newton & Friends, Saturday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. From 1:30-3:30 p.m., local favorite and Nashville songwriter James Clay will perform his bluesy acoustic set. And from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, Dale Blue, the “Barefoot” entertainer will offer his unique blend of humor, blues and classic rock.
In addition, local authors will sell and sign their books and representatives from the area’s four museums will set up colorful displays highlighting the Lake-area’s colorful history and diverse culture. For more information about the event, please contact Stone Crest Mall at (573) 348-3106 or visit www.shopstonecrestmall.com.
The Art & Ambiance Trail was conceived in 2007 by marketing consultant Bob Schwartz along with Lake-area artists Joseph and Rita Orr. It covers 95 miles of highways and by-ways that wind through both the east and west sides of the Lake, spotlighting a diverse and vibrant group of artists, galleries, museums, theatres, wineries and unique eateries.
A free, comprehensive Trail brochure and detailed map are available throughout the Lake area, as well as online at www.artandambiance.com. Also included is a listing of Events & Celebrations, featuring upcoming arts-related happenings such as the Art Expo, Holiday Market and more.
“The Trail is growing! Since it was established, I’ve heard from several area artists and artisans who have asked to be included,” Schwartz says. “Artists constantly tell me more people stop by to see their work and say they are following the Trail.” Schwartz adds he gets calls from people all over the country who have discovered the Trail and want more information.
“Come make a day of it at the Art & Ambiance Fair,” Evers says. “Enjoy lunch, meet the artists, listen to the music and take home some wine or spirits.”
For more information about the the Art & Ambiance Fair and Trail, or to find out more about lodging, dining, attractions, shopping, events, entertainment and more at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com.
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