Waterville Intown Arts Fest 2001 will feature more than 80 Maine artists exhibiting their work along Main Street on Saturday, July 28. Registration for artists is now under way and organizers predict the largest show ever in the 32-year history of the event.

The Arts Fest offers the public an opportunity to view and purchase the work of both established and emerging Maine artists. For the artists, it’s a chance to exhibit, sell and compete for cash prizes. With a prize fund of more than $7,000 the Arts Fest is one of the major outdoor shows in the state.

Prizes are awarded for best of show and in the categories of oils, watercolor and other media for a total of 12 or more awards. The purchase prize category allows participating members of the public to bestow an award on any work of art designated for this prize and obtain the work for an advance payment of $375, all of which goes to the artist.

In addition, a raffle is held for “Arts Fest dollars” that may only be used to purchase art. Artists who receive these “dollars” redeem them for cash.

Judges this year will be artists Diana Young and Cheri St. Germain, both of Bangor.

Artist registration forms may be obtained by calling the Waterville Intown Business Association at 877-7267, or write to WIBA, 179 Main St., Waterville 04901.

The Waterville Intown Arts Fest is sponsored by the Waterville Intown Business Association and the Morning Sentinel.