M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival benefits Rochester Memorial Art Gallery

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — This weekend marked the largest annual fundraiser for the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester. Saturday and Sunday, the MAG played host to what’s called the “M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival,” where folks celebrated over 60 years of art.

“I think art has different meanings to so many different people, but it is a cross section for the community,” Emilo Fabico, the chief operating officer and deputy director of the MAG began. “It might mean something to me, inspire me in a certain way, but it really opens up thinking in my opinion, and I think that’s why it’s so important.”

The two-day event featured artwork made by more than 300 artists from across the country. The art displayed was also available for purchase to support the MAG.

Organizers said Saturday, while it’s a huge help for the MAG – at its core, it’s about bringing the community together.

“We’re a village, even though we’re coming for just a weekend, we become an artist’s village for real,” said Frances Hare, an artist.

Sunday, officials announced that three artists won awards this weekend.

The 2024 Merit Award winners were:

• Justin Winters with HBT Woodworks in Scottsville.
• Bill Mowson with Fingerlake Footprints in Lansing.

The Exceptional First-Time Clothesline Art Festival Exhibitor Award winner was:

• Dia Haffar with Smokepail Studios in Pompey.

Donation bins were also set up at the entrance of the festival in support of ‘ Sample Soap ,’ a nonprofit organization that helps to collect toiletries to give out to local people in need.

The festival included local food staples and live music. For more information, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.