MANSFIELD — The ManAfest location has changed for 2025.
The goal remains the same, according to event coordinator and local artist Victoria Hoefler.
Help local artists connect with local residents.
“We want to bring the community together and provide an opportunity for artists to show and sell their work,” Hoefler said.
ManAfest began as the Mansfield Arts Festival, the brainchild of the Richland Community Development Group Arts and Culture Sector.
In its seventh year, it will not be in Central Park on Saturday due to the ongoing Main Street Corridor Improvement Project that has resulted in numerous closures and disruptions between First and Sixth streets.
Instead, ManAfest will move “down the hill” to West Fourth Street near the Richland Carrousel Park and the Richland Academy of the Arts.
“Due to the infrastructure (improvements), we’re going to be smaller this year. We’re going to focus more on the demonstrations of art that people do,” Hoefler said.
“People will be selling their work, however, everybody’s trying to make it a little more affordable for the people,” she said.
Demonstrations planned include spinning wheel weaving, glassblowing, wood furniture making and robotics.
“There will be something for everyone,” Hoefler said. “Getting people down here to support them is our big goal.
“We also want to offer experiences for artists. For a lot of people, this will be their first show and it allows them to get their feet wet,” she said.
Live music is on the schedule during the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as performances from members of the Mansfield Shakespeare Company. In addition, local authors will be on hand to read excerpts from their books.
Several food trucks will be available, as well.
She said event organizers are partnering with the the academy, which will also have performers during the event.
