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A man who's spent decades photographing life in York County has been named the featured artist for 2012 Yorkfest.
Bill Schintz was 16 years old when he got his first photography job as a teenaged freelancer for The York Dispatch. He later opened a studio on East Market Street, where he continues to specialize in portraits.
At a news conference Tuesday, Schintz, now 68, said he has found joy in creating art during the past 50 years.
"What's a greater joy is if you can just share that with other people," he said. "I think that's what all artists strive for."
An image Schintz created from a photograph of the Plough Tavern is featured on 2012 Yorkfest promotional material. The city's annual arts and music festival returns next month with a lineup of artists that numbers more than 100.
Mayor Kim Bracey said the city got a 20 percent bump in artist applications this year compared to 2011.
The dates: The free festival will take over York's downtown arts district from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.
Also, there will be live music at four stages throughout the weekend and a poetry tent featuring performances in 15-minute segments. The Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna will launch the Historic Codorus Creek Boat Parade - a procession of non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks - from Bantz Park at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Tizer Trio - a California-based jazz band - will perform a free concert beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Capitol Theatre, 50 N. George St.
New to Yorkfest this year is a youth art and literary competition. Children 17 and younger may submit entries in a variety of categories, all of which will be on display in a downtown art gallery throughout the weekend.
Submissions, divided into three age groups, will be judged on originality and creativity. Entries may be mailed or delivered to YorkArts, 10 N. Beaver St. The deadline for entries is 1 p.m. on Aug. 1.
- Erin James may also be reached at ejames@yorkdispatch.com.
