Eye-Full of Paris is Interactive Weekend

(June 24, 2009)  It’s art, it’s theater, it’s music, it’s the annual Eye-Full of Paris
weekend in historic Downtown Paris. Celebrating visual and performing arts, the event takes place the last full weekend each September and is sponsored by the Downtown Paris Association (DPA).

“This year’s festival features several new events,” said DPA President Mike Key, who emphasized that the weekend focuses on amazing artwork that participants can purchase, but also on interaction with the artists. “We have expanded the children’s activities and added other opportunities.”

Eye-Full of Paris will begin with Commercial Bank’s Noon on the Square concert, Friday September 25 on the lawn of the Henry County Court House. Local favorite, John Austin McDaniel will take the stage; Project Graduation will offer delicious lunch fare.

Friday evening brings a combination of painting, pottery, fiber arts and photography during the Wild for Life Art Show and Sale sponsored by Friends of the Wildlife Refuge. The exhibits highlight the region’s beautiful creatures and scenery while offering prizes to the winning artists in myriad categories for both children and adults. Entry forms will be online soon at www.tnwrfriends.org.

On Saturday, September 26, Arts Round the Square begins on the court house lawn. Potters, quilters, painters and others display and sell their works. This event, sponsored by the Paris-Henry County Arts Council (PHCHC) and the Downtown Paris Association runs from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

“One of the unique aspects of this festival is that we require artists to demonstrate,” said Arts Council Director Mary Lodge. “So whether you’re looking to purchase or simply learn, this is a must-see event.” Entry forms for interested artists are online at www.phcarts.com.

A wide variety of musicians are on the courthouse lawn for non-stop entertainment throughout the day, plus there is an abundance of local food to enjoy.

KidZone Live! a new addition to the event features fifteen minute interactive art and music activities for children throughout the day. Sponsored by Youth for the Arts, it also includes exciting performances by the Krider Children’s Theater and Bethel Renaissance Theater. The building adjacent to the Board of Public Utilities on Washington Street is the home for KidsZone Live!

The second evening of Eye-Full of Paris features a new event, “Let’s Tango in Paris” hosted by the Paris Ballroom Dance Club. The dress is casual; the venue is Lee Academy for the Arts Lunchroom.

Sunday afternoon, September 27 on the court house lawn, local churches gather for Downtown Churches Rejoice. This afternoon of music and food in a relaxed atmosphere features a variety of singing styles.

The weekend concludes Sunday evening with a festive concert at Paris Winery featuring the Dirt Pilgrims. Other Eye-Full of Paris special activities include the Tasty Morsel Contest and Table Top Competition as well as antique tractor rides, vineyard tours, signature wine tastings and delicious food. Hear the Dirt Pilgrims and get more information at www.pariswinery.com

Eye-Full of Paris began in June, 2006, with Paris-Henry County Art Council’s first Arts Round the Square (ARTS) held on the court house lawn. In 2007 the council partnered with the Downtown Paris Association; sites and dates were expanded. That same year the event was renamed and received funding from the Tennessee River Resort Act.

The mission of the Downtown Paris Association is to promote prosperous
business activity and community involvement while encouraging preservation of the downtown area. Visit them online at www.visitdowntownparis.com or call DPA President Mike Key at 731-642-9271.

A five-octave bell choir was a favorite at Arts 'Round the Square during Eye-Full of Paris Weekend

One of the Arts Round the Square artists demonstrates Chinese calligraphy during Eye-Full of Paris Weekend