Kristen Fiore
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The Cherry Creek Arts Festival has won the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association, the highest honor for the best festivals and events around the world.
This is the second year in a row that the annual festival run by the CherryArts nonprofit has won the accolade, and the seventh time it has won it in its 34-year history.
The Grand Pinnacle award recognizes festivals that excel in every key area of production and community impact.
Kristen Fiore
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“We are surprised and delighted to receive this award for the second year in a row, and we are so proud that one of the world’s best festivals takes place in Denver,” says Tara Brickell, executive director of CherryArts. “Our festival is brought to life by an incredible team of people, plus partners, sponsors, volunteers and the world-class artists who exhibit their work with us. The funds we raise help us take art and art experiences to Colorado schools all year long.”
At its most recent iteration from July 4-6, which was attended by 150,000 people, the more than 200 juried artists who participated reported $4.5 million in sales, with individual artists earning an average of $17,470, according to CherryArts.
Kristen Fiore
In addition to art for all tastes, the festival is also jam-packed with food, music, kids’ activities and more. And while the festival is CherryArts’ largest effort, the nonprofit also works year-round to raise money to support the arts in Colorado schools. At this year’s festival, 66 students from 22 schools participated in the event’s Student Art Buying Program, which allowed them to experience the festival through the eyes of young collectors and learn about art appreciation, curation and business. They bought 55 pieces of artwork, which are now headed to schools around Colorado.
Additionally, CherryArts awarded five emerging artists $5,000 grants this year to support them in the start of their careers. In all, the nonprofit has served 451,000 students and engaged 663 Colorado schools.
Kristen Fiore
Will next year’s festival be a winner, too? Mark your calendar and find out. It’s slated for July 3-5, and artist applications are open through December 1 on the festival’s website.
