9th Annual Oliver Street Art Festival hosted by Project 308 Gallery

The art festival season continues in full swing with the 9th annual Oliver Street Art Festival, hosted by Project 308 Gallery. Held in North Tonawanda, the art festival features more than 60 area artists specializing in crafts and trades such as handmade goods, artwork and vintage items. Visitors to the free festival will also be treated to numerous live performances by some of the area’s hottest bands.

Project 308 Gallery, located at 308 Oliver Street, is home to the Oliver Street Art Festival, founded in 2012 by Natalie Brown. Brown organizes the festival to showcase the diverse range of artisans and people who call the Western Nork area home. Many of the creatives are located in North Tonawanda, which happens to be a hotbed of independent studios and galleries.

“I am thrilled to welcome the festival to Oliver Street for its ninth year and hope the community will continue to support the event,” said Brown, owner of Plak Art Plus and Project 308 Gallery.

The highly anticipated event transforms a block of Oliver Street into a festive arts festival that showcases the talents of local artists and musicians, according to Brown. Creative artist and craft businesses like Lotus WoodCrafts and artist Alyssa Capri will be participating in this year’s show. Capri’s work (a multimedia artist and muralist) will be on display at Project 308 Gallery throughout August and September, while Lotus WoodCrafts’ work can be found simply by exploring the festival.

“We recycle and reuse metal, wood and other materials to create furniture and art,” says David Moerler, co-owner of Lotus WoodCrafts. “We are always excited to participate in this festival and are looking forward to this year’s event!”

In addition to the festival grounds and the artwork at Project 308 Gallery, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore The Old Chapel Antiques and Crafts Market, conveniently located nearby at 172 Robinson Street (corner of Oliver and Robinson). On that day, The Old Chapel will host free children’s activities, live music and additional vendors. The Old Chapel and Kids Zone will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there will be live music from the Samuel Tambe Band from noon to 3 p.m.

“Our family-friendly venue is an extension of the festival, offering free games, a bouncy castle and other activities for all ages,” said Jacob Wankasky, owner of The Old Chapel. “We are excited to partner with the festival each year to grow the Oliver Street community.”

The Oliver Street Art Festival is also made possible by the support of the Oliver Street Merchants Association.

“This well-established arts festival on Oliver Street is essential to the ongoing revitalization efforts of the street,” says Gabbie Richard, owner of the vegan grocery store and vice president of the Oliver Street Merchants Association. “The Oliver Street Merchants Association recognizes the contribution this festival makes to building the positive reputation of the commercial corridor…and as a business owner in the area, I know we are always excited to be a part of this day – it brings vibrancy to the street and lots of foot traffic to the sidewalk.”

9th Annual Oliver Street Art Festival

Saturday August 3, 2024

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Oliver Street between Robinson and Schenck Streets in North Tonawanda, NY

Headquarter: Project 308 Gallery, 308 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Admission: Free and open to the public

The festival on Facebook – www.facebook.com/events/7338779329508574

Instagram: @project308gallery

www.facebook.com/Project308Gallery