Lewiston Art Fest August 13-14

Here's a press release I received about the Lewiston Art Festival that's in a few weeks
MEDIA RELEASE: July 26, 2011
FROM: Lewiston Council on the Arts
716-754-0166
enicklas@artcouncil.org>
www.artcouncil.org
RE: 45th Annual Lewiston Art Festival

(Lewiston) Lewiston’s reputation as a thriving arts community and cultural epicenter is due in no small part to the annual Lewiston Art Festival. Now in it’s 45th year, the festival has been named “Top Cultural Destinations,” First Sunday Magazine; “Summer Festival Showcase Event,” Bi-National Niagara Tourism Alliance; and “Top 100 Attractions Along the Seaway Trail,” by Journey Magazine.

On August 13 & 14 from 10 am to 6 pm, this prestigious event will showcase the work of more than 175 professional and student artists from 13 states as far away as Alaska, Florida and Texas. Artists will compete for prize money awarded in 8 categories including; painting, photography, graphic arts, sculpture, artistic crafts (ceramics, wood, fiber, glass) and jewelry. Modern Corporation generously sponsors the “Modern Art Awards” totaling more than $5,000. Judges for the Festival are Mary Helen Miskuly and Patrick Robideau of the Birchfield Penney Art Museum.

Back this year is the pedestrian-friendly layout that will close Center St. to cars from 4th to 8th Streets, and fill the Village streets with art and music. On Saturday, watch the chalk fly as 10 teams of talented student artists representing schools from across the region converge at 5th St. for the 27th KeyBank Chalk Walk Competition. Watch art being made as they create spectacular murals depicting their interpretation of this year’s theme, "Chalk One Up for Diversity". Teams will compete for “Arts Are Key” awards, generously and exclusively sponsored by KeyBank. You get to be the judge for the People’s Choice Award, so be sure to vote for your favorite mural. Judging takes place about 4:00 PM on Saturday afternoon.

College Alley will feature the work of high school and college students in the KeyBank & Hunt Realty parking lot. A special addition to the Chalk Walk area (at 5th and Center Sts.) is a weekend long artist-in-residency for 3 nationally known Tuscarora artists Erwin Printup, Simon Brascoupe and Karen Hodge-Russel. Together they will create a mural inspired by a Printup design with the theme “ The Four Winds” . The Native American legend represents Bear as North Wind, Panther as West Wind, Moose as East Wind and the Fawn as South Wind. Watch the artists at work both days from noon to 4 PM.

Then, if you’re inspired by all that creativity, there are free art activities from noon – 4 PM both days, at the First Niagara ArtZone where kids of all ages can do a hands-on art activity or create a chalk mural of their own. On Sunday afternoon the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University hosts a free “Make & Take” workshop for children of all ages. Inspired by Printup’s mural theme of the Four Winds, create a windsock that you can take home. Stop by the Opera Hall (OH!) Gallery at 732 Center St. to view special weekend exhibits by the OH! artists, LewPort art student Rob Minicucci and artists from Niagara Cerebral Palsy.

Don’t forget to visit the Information Booth at 5th & Center to pick up this years colorful Art Festival t-shirt that features the new design by festival artist, Kelvin Henderson. Street musicians and performers are welcome to add their musical ambiance to the show.

Art Festival Sponsors: Modern Corporation, KeyBank, Mount Saint Mary's Hospital, First Niagara Bank, Tin Pan Alley & Niagara Falls Bridge Commission

Also contact: Fay Northrop, Chalkwalk Chairperson - (716) 282-6772
Karen Hodge Russell, Mural artist - (716) 432-0438 or (716) 990-2780

Entertainment at the Hennepark Park Gazebo:
Saturday, Aug. 13
11:00: Ilya's Belly Dance Studio
12:00: Lewiston Choraleers
1:00: Omni Puppett Theatre
2:00: Niagara Experience Players
3:00: Toast & Jam hosted by singer, songwriter, Dale Campbell
1:30 - 3:30 Strolling Center Street Musicians, the Mariachi Gringos!

Sunday, Aug. 14
11:00: Ilya's Belly Dance Studio
12:00: Hot Country Liners
1:00 Omni Puppett Theatre
2:00: Jena Abati (Opera)
3:00: Niagara Frontier Fiddle Club
4:00 Niagara University Repertory Theatre
11:00AM - 4:00PM: Apple Granny's - John (the Mighty) Quinn

1:30 - 3:30: Strolling Center Street Musicians, the 12/8 Path Band!
Image Below: "Always Love You" by featured 2011 artist, Kelvin Henderson

Artists in Residence: Simon Brascoupe, Karen Hodge-Russell & Erwin Printup