Set against the backdrop of a recent listing as one of USA Today’s “10 Best Art Museums in the US,” the Clothesline Art Festival returns to the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) in Rochester, NY, on September 6–7, 2025.
Now in its 68th year, Clothesline stands as one of the longest continuously running juried art festivals in the country.
What began in 1957 with paintings strung on literal clotheslines has grown into a vibrant, two-day celebration of contemporary creativity, featuring more than 300 artists from across the Northeast and beyond, thousands of attendees, live music, hands-on activities, and free access to MAG’s world-class galleries.
Visitors can explore a collection spanning 5,000 years of art history and roam 14 acres of museum grounds, including the open-air Centennial Sculpture Park, where monumental works by artists like Sanford Biggers and Rashid Johnson are on permanent display.
“Clothesline is more than a festival—it’s a tradition,” says Sarah Jesse, Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director of the Memorial Art Gallery. “It’s where emerging and established artists meet enthusiastic collectors, where creativity is celebrated in every corner of the museum’s campus, and where Rochester kicks off the fall season in true artistic style.”
The Clothesline Art Festival has welcomed both rising talent and nationally recognized artists. Makers whose work has appeared at Clothesline include Wendell Castle, Albert Paley, and more. From painting, to sculpture, to mixed media and everything in between, Clothesline continues to reflect the region’s deep well of artistic excellence and draws attention as a must-visit event for the arts.
Debuting in 2025: The Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence
This year, the festival introduces a new honor: the Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence. Sponsored by Joy Gallery and Studio and arts patron Richard A. Glaser, this $5,000 award recognizes outstanding artists working in all media across Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western/Central New York.
It celebrates the enduring legacy of artist, educator, and community leader Luvon Sheppard, whose decades-long commitment to mentorship and community empowerment has profoundly shaped the region’s creative landscape.
For more than fifty years, Luvon Sheppard has uplifted local artists and broadened access to the arts. This award recognizes his remarkable contributions and helps ensure that his spirit of generosity and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire future generations.
The Clothesline Art Festival is MAG’s largest annual fundraiser and helps sustain year-round exhibitions, educational programming, and community outreach. M&T Bank has served as the presenting sponsor for over 30 years.
The Festival takes place September 6–7, 2025, at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY.
More information about the Clothesline Art Festival can be found here.
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