Wickford Art Festival Spotlight Artist - Ed Hicks, Booth #229 on Main Street

In my continuing series of articles about the Wickford Art Festival, I am pleased to introduce (to some) and welcome back (to most) Ed Hicks to Wickford. Ed Hicks has been showcasing his beautiful landscape oil paintings in Wickford for four decades. Judy Salvadore, Wickford Art Festival, caught up with Ed Hicks via email and here is an excerpt from their conversation:

Ed, how long have you been coming to the Wickford Art Festival? I hear over 40 years. Amazing!

Hi Judy, I have been participating in the Wickford show for over 45 years and love every minute of it. Well, maybe not the intense heat which one can always count on. It is my favorite show to do.

What can you tell us about the success you've had in Wickford?

Back in the day it was a very happy show because I sold many oil paintings - originals only. I can say for years it was my best show. I did approximately 20 shows a season (June - Oct.) and Wickford was always in the top 3 shows. It still is a good show but it is tougher to sell these days, at any show.

Being from Connecticut, I'm sure you are used to the summer heat. What has been your experience overall in coming to Wickford in July?

It is always hot to very hot but I look forward to the show because Wickford is a great town with a lot of nice people. My wife, Carole, loves to shop at the many shops. I sell, she shops.

What are some memorable moments from your four decades of the Wickford Art Festival?

Wow, now you are talking. So many to recall but here are a few that come to mind right now:

The girl walking down the street with the snake wrapped around her neck . That had my wife running for cover.
I have been setting up in front of the Masonic Hall near the Baptist church for years and visit with the same great people from their event committee. They always check up on us and let us park in their lot.
The year it was so hot people were asked to stay home and I had my best show ever.
The artist in front of the Baptist church who put a velvet rope in front of his display with a sign that stated "No sales until after church."
Catching up with clients and friends from previous years.
Strawberry shortcake at the Baptist church.
Apple pie at St. Paul's down the street
Recently, Snacks at the Art Assoc. when signing in.
And, who could forget dinners with artists friends at Duffy's Tavern.
Years of good friends in the town, the artists and Wilson's.