MARIETTA, GA--The historic community of Marietta, Georgia invites one and all to experience the 23rd Annual Art in the Park festival, September 5-7, 2009.  This fine art extravaganza held each Labor Day weekend is presented by the Marietta Business Association and is proud a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for September. 

                  The juried fine art show will spotlight 130 artists whose works include paintings, photography, pottery, graphics, sculptures, jewelry and much more.  Artists representing 16 states will display and sell their wares in Glover Park.   Back by popular demand is the Interactive Art Alley full of many wonderful and free make and take art stations, which guest’s young and old can discover the hidden artist within. 

                  The featured station is the Marietta Cityscape Project sponsored by Keep Marietta Beautiful.  “With all the growth & development Marietta is experiencing, it is only fitting to feature Marietta 3D style,” says Joan Ellars, Director of Keep Marietta Beautiful.  Everyone is invited to design their own piece of the town using boxes, paper towel rows, paper bags, paints & construction paper and other recyclable materials.  Marietta landmarks will be featured along with local businesses and when complete could measure 10 ft X 40 ft. 

Visitors entering Marietta for the art show will find themselves catching a glimpse of yesteryear, when the city was at the heart of the Civil War.  Take a break from the sun to embark on a walking tour of five registered historic districts, lined with antebellum houses and shaded sidewalks.  A walking tour brochure and other information is available at the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau housed in the historic old train depot on the west side of the Marietta Square.

                  Explore unique shops and boutiques in and around the downtown area.  All the festivities make this event a perfect way to spend the Labor Day weekend.   You’re invited to stay in one of our outstanding accommodations ranging from antique bed & breakfast inns to nationally recognized hotel properties to a four-diamond resort.

Weekend parking is free in the Cherokee Street Parking Deck.  Attractions such as the Cobb/Marietta Museum of Art, the Marietta Museum of History, the Strand Theatre and the Theatre in the Square will feature special weekend hours. 

                  Festival hours are 10:00 – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Monday, September 5 – 7, 2009. Admission is free, so bring your family or friends to Art in the Park. For further information, please contact the Marietta Welcome Center at 770-429-1115 or info@mariettabusinessassociation.com.