Thousands flood Main Street Manayunk for annual Arts Festival

Thousands of visitors and art collectors were drawn to Main Street in Manayunk for the 26th annual Manayunk Arts Festival.

The two-day show featured more than 300 artists from all corners of the country in seven disciplines: fiber, glass, photography, wood and sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, and painting and drawing.

Artist  John Deever came in from California for the 2015 show — making it his 18th year participating in the Manayunk Arts Festival.

Deever said he found the show after it was given a great national rating, and has returned ever since because of his booming sales.

The festival has been rated nationally as a good place to get work noticed and profit, Deever said.

The festival typically draws about 200,000 people — collectors, buyers and visitors. 

Organized by the Manayunk Development Corporation, the arts festival spans from Shurs Lane to Green Street along Main Street. Both famous and local artists share the street, promoting their different products.

Philadelphia artist Kerrin Pantelakis spoke highly of the festival’s organization, saying that she had a pretty easy and profitable time during the two days at the show.

“The weather held up, my booth neighbors are nice and it’s easy getting in and out,” Pantelakis said. “They’re just very accommodating.”

David Winigrad, in the wood and sculpture category, took home this year’s Best in Show award. 

A full list of the winners can be found on the Manayunk Development Corporation’s website.