Chadds Ford PTO says redesigned 75th art show preserved tradition while reducing volunteer burden

PTO leaders briefed the Unionville‑Chadds Ford board on changes to the 75th Chadds Ford Art Show, describing a redesigned format the group said reduced volunteer workload while preserving the event’s community mission.

Jessica Eldridge, co‑vice president of the Chadds Ford PTO, said the group reworked the event model to use a booth‑rental fee rather than the historical 30% sales remittance model, moved to a single‑day main event and created a staged “diamond showcase” for previously featured artists. Michelle Boyle, who chaired the event redesign, said the changes were intended to make the show sustainable after organizers struggled to recruit event chairs under the old model.

The PTO reported 67 participating artists and an approximate attendance of 784. Because the PTO eliminated centralized sales and inventory tracking, it could not provide itemized sale totals; instead, the PTO raised $15,294 from donated raffle art and expected a profit near $12,000 after costs and a complementary Parents’ Night Out fundraiser.

Board members praised the PTO’s adjustments and thanked volunteers for their work; several directors said the tradeoffs between profit and sustainability were appropriate for preserving the long‑running community tradition.

Provenance: PTO presentation and board response (topicintro SEG 691; topfinish SEG 943).

Ending: PTO leaders said they will continue to refine the model and ask for volunteer support for future iterations of the art show.