As they say, the show must go on, and that is true for the First Sunday Arts event. However, they have made numerous changes to the event to make it safer during a world that is dealing with COVID. Temporarily gone are the days with 5 music stages, rows of food trucks, etc. that gave the event more of a festival feel. Today the event is downsized to allow for social distancing, crowd control and focuses on the main attraction, the artisans.
The first change they made was giving the public the option to shop from home. Since June the public has been able to shop online on the First Sunday Arts website and shop over 200 of your favorite local artists, listen to local musicians, and order carryout at https://www.firstsundayarts.com/virtualfestival
Since July the First Sunday Arts' has more resembled an art market, the next in-person art market is on Sunday, August 2nd from 11 am to 5 pm on the first block of West Street in downtown Annapolis, Maryland. This year the art market will have around 50 artists that will be spaced out for social distancing selling a wide range of arts and crafts. You can also check out the new Gallery 57 West located in the same area. In order to keep this event safe, Erik Evans, the event organizer said: "We want everyone to have a safe outdoor shopping experience, so please wear a mask when shopping, limit one household in a vendors tent at a time and bring a hand sanitizer so you can wash your hands frequently." After you are finished shopping the art market the organizers suggest you take advantage of the free garage parking and explore the many shops and restaurants throughout the arts district and downtown Annapolis.
The art market received the green light from both the County and the City on Wednesday this week. First Sunday Arts plans to continue to consult with the local government each month on current conditions related to COVID-19 and hosting the art market if current conditions allow.
Free Annapolis parking is located at the Calvert Street Garage 19 St. Johns Street and John Whitmore Garage 25 Clay Street.
After the First Sunday Arts event, West Street will host the Dinner Under The Stars al fresco dining event starting at 6:30pm. This popular event continues to give diners a safe way to enjoy diner outside and listen to local musicians, while you dine at one of the six restaurants on the block.
Learn more at www.firstsundayarts.com and http://www.dinnerunderthestars.org