BETHEL – Kicking off the 26th annual Bethel Art Fair festivities over the Independence Day weekend will be a rare exhibit only open for two days at the Owen Gallery at Gould Academy. More than four decades of art works by Melody and Garrett Bonnema will be featured in a special exhibit as part of the fair presented by the Mahoosuc Arts Council. The exhibit will open with a public reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 3.

“Each year, the Mahoosuc Arts council identifies local artists who have made an indelible mark of creativity in our region. The work of the Bonnemas has a significant place in the cultural history of our region,” said Aranka Matolcsy, arts council director.

The public is welcome to attend the opening reception on Friday evening or to view the exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 4, only. The Bonnemas’ work is also featured on the art fair poster and will be the cover art for the 2015-16 Mountain Arts Guide.

The annual art fair features fine arts and crafts on the Bethel Common with fine local fare from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. As always, there will be no shortage of entertaining, family-friendly options over Independence Day weekend.

At 11:30 a.m. on the side lawn of the Dr. Moses Mason House, 14 Broad St., will be the presentation of colors and the National Anthem, followed by a free two-hour concert by the Portland Brass Quintet. Special exhibits will also be on display at the historical society. A special addition this year will be the display of the “Honor the Brave” flag quilt created by BHS trustee Donna Gillis.

A community arts staple, the the 11th annual Shy, Novice and Closeted Art Show, will be featured on High Street throughout the weekend. In addition, the ninth Music without Borders International Piano Festival and cultural and art exhibits at the historical society will be topped off with fireworks at dusk at Bethel Inn Resort.

FMI: www.mahoosucarts.org or 207-824-3575.