This June, Oil City artists, CJ Hurley & Barbara Pierce of Century Arts Fine Art and Design Studio, will be participating in the 48th Annual Roycroft Summer Festival, a celebration of the arts, in East Aurora, NY.

The Festival is an outdoor event featuring the work of artists and artisans whose work is dedicated to fine handcraftsmanship.

The Roycroft is the oldest surviving American Arts & Crafts colony dedicated to traditional arts and handicrafts. The association was founded in 1895 by publisher, philosopher, and entrepreneur, Elbert Hubbard, in the village of East Aurora.

CJ became a Roycroft artisan in 2005, and has been with the Roycroft for nineteen years. Today, he holds the status of Roycroft Master Artisan in Painting. He says, “It is a rare opportunity to be a Master Artisan of the Roycroft Renaissance. I have the honor and distinction of working to uphold an important part of America’s artistic legacy and to do my part in keeping alive the spirit of art as it has transpired throughout the ages.” The Roycroft association chose CJ’s artwork to grace this year’s show poster (pictured), and CJ is proud to have been selected.

This year’s festival features over 50 artisans and arts related organizations. CJ & Barbara invite the public to attend the Festival. Through the arts, Oil City and East Aurora have forged a tight community, supporting one-another’s events through cross promotions and collaborations.

For more information on the festival, visit ralaweb.com.

Congratulations to CJ & Barbara!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s June 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.