September 6 & 7, 2025 | 10 am-5 pm
Special MAG Member shopping begins at 9:30 on both days
The M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival has been MAG’s largest annual fundraiser and biggest celebration of the arts for almost 70 years. Over 300 artists from across the country offer their work for purchase at this juried, two-day festival that takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Memorial Art Gallery. Clothesline is also the place to experience all-day live entertainment, sample food from some of Rochester’s favorite food trucks and vendors, enjoy free family art activities, and visit the museum.
Check back in August for tickets!
Introducing the Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence
New this year, the Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence celebrates artists and makers across all media from Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western/Central New York. Sponsored by Joy Gallery and Studio and local arts supporter Richard A. Glaser, this $5,000 award honors Sheppard’s lasting impact on the region’s creative community.
For over five decades, Sheppard has inspired and mentored young artists, leaving an indelible mark on MAG’s history by founding the Allofus workshop, a satellite community center that operated from 1972 to the late ’70s. He continues to nurture local talent through his work at RIT’s College of Art and Design and Joy Gallery and Studio. This award reflects his enduring legacy of creativity, mentorship, and community empowerment. Sheppard teaches at the College of Art and Design at RIT and supports local artists at Joy Gallery and Studio. The $5,000 Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence honors the artist’s legacy in the creative community in Rochester and beyond.
General Festival Information
We want to offer a great Clothesline experience for all while making safety a primary consideration. In addition to our museum guidelines for visiting the art inside, here are some additional requests:
- Service Animals are always welcome. Emotional support animals and pets will not be allowed
- Bicycles must enter through the Goodman St. Admissions Gate and be parked
- No skates or skateboards
- Political or religious preaching or campaigning is prohibited
Parking is free at Gleason Works’ south parking lot on University Avenue, and we offer a free shuttle to and from MAG. The shuttle service runs from 9 am to 5:30 pm on both days. Parking with shuttle service is also available at East End Garage, but there is a fee.
Headquarters is your place for directions, get help with the website, and festival information. It is located near the Sculpture Park across from Cutler Union, and is marked on our festival grounds map.
There are tables for dining and relaxing located by the blue awning door on the back of the museum and at the stage entertainment area. In addition, there are tables in the B&L Parlor in Cutler Union if you need some quiet or to get out of the weather.
Save $15 on MAG membership
Special MAG Membership pricing will become available during the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival beginning 9:30 am on Saturday, September 6 and ending at 5 pm on Sunday, September 7. Available online or in person at the Membership Table on the north side of MAG grounds. (Student and Out-of-Town memberships are not eligible for this promotion. UR Employee memberships are 50% off for Individual and Family memberships—year-round!)
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Richard Glaser
Fellow Sponsors
Luvon Sheppard
Media Sponsors
