BRANDYWINE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 ~ 10 AM - 6 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 ~ 10 AM - 4 PM FEATURED ARTIST: ERIC ZIPPE More than 200 artists will be taking part in the 2019 Brandywine Festival of the Arts— but only one has been chosen to be the Festival’s “Featured Artist.” This year, the honor goes to Eric Zippe, a photographer who has spent much of his career capturing familiar local landmarks from unexpected perspectives. Zippe has been showing his work at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts (BFA) for the past decade, so to be selected as the featured artist is, in his words, “huge!” BFA was the first art festival he ever participated in. “It’s like a homecoming for me,” Zippe explained, “and the artists are like family.” Perhaps what visitors to the festival may not see is the camaraderie among the artists. “It’s a communal idea,” Zippe said. He’s especially appreciated the encouragement from other artists over the years. And now, as the featured artist, he’ll be the one providing encouragement to up-and-comers, like he once was. Zippe has been photographing Brandywine Park, longtime home of the Brandywine Festival of the Arts, for more than 20 years. Among his most admired works are the cherry trees that blossom in the park every spring. But over the past two years, thanks to a grant from the State of Delaware, Zippe has expanded his portfolio to include laser images engraved into wood. “They’re super unique,” Zippe said, “you can’t get them anywhere.” Prices range from $5 for a magnet, to $600 for Zippe’s custom work. He will among more than 200 painters, crafters, photographers, and jewelers selling their work at the annual two-day outdoor festival. The event is family- and pet-friendly. Admission is only $5, and free for children 12 and under. Once again this year, anyone who pays to enter on Saturday, can return for free on Sunday. There will be no on-site parking, but free shuttle buses will run continuously from nearby Salesianum High School, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19802. Contact: Barry Schlecker, Executive Producer Brandywine Festival of the Arts (302) 690-5555 BrandywineArts.com