Eat, drink, make art, and be merry under the open air this Sunday.
Artists’ Exchange and Gateways to Change Inc. invite all members of the community to join the fun at the ninth annual Fall Out of Summer Arts Festival, to be held this Sunday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lots surrounding the Artists’ Exchange and Citizens Bank on Rolfe Square. The rain date is Sept. 25.
The festival will feature live music and theater, artisans, art activities and contests, food, and more. Admission is free for kids three and under, with a regular admission of $1 to benefit Artists’ Exchange’s programs.
“The festival is a community event and we are only able to accomplish it with a diverse body of participants and volunteers,” said Elaine McKenna-Yeaw, director of the Artists’ Exchange. “It is really amazing to see everything and everyone come together, so many people willing to give time and help with the day. Based off the hard work of all our volunteers, we transform the entire building and surrounding parking lots into an arts festival.”
New this year, Character’s Café will be preparing all the food, including festival foods like burgers and chili and a sampling of its complete menu. There will also be a bouncy house and live theater featuring Jessica Chace & Friends from Family Performance Series in the Kids Zone, along with Giant Jenga, bowling, and crafts from the Cranston Public Library.
The football game will be on in the Beer Garden, and there will be a social media scavenger hunt for prizes.
Artisans will showcase a variety of items, including but not limited to jewelry, clothing, paintings, pottery, and up-cycled and recycled items.
“Families come back year after year to celebrate this transition with one of our most popular activities, pumpkin painting. Many people start off the festival painting a pumpkin and then letting the pumpkin dry while they walk around and participate in one of the many other activities,” McKenna-Yeaw said.
Art created by 2016 Artists’ Exchange Summer Art Camp participants will be on display both outdoors and indoors. The fall catalog for classes in art, ceramic, and theater will be available for viewing. A 25-percent discount will be given on all fall class registrations processed during the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on crafts, art contests, and raffles, including seasonal activities like pumpkin painting. The street art contest encourages participants to transform a square of pavement into a two-dimensional masterpiece. Entries will be judged by festival attendees, and winners will receive a free class in art, music, or theater at Artists’ Exchange. Attendees may also play original, fun, and “artsified” carnival-style games such as “Fishing with Monet” or “Cézanne Fruit Toss.”
Live musical performances will include returning artists The Mad Clatter and Cranston local Antonio Forte. First-time festival performers include Men of Great Courage, Five for Now, and Mary Zema.
Rolfe Square’s Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio will also return to showcase the talents of its young performers.
Attendees can additionally get in the holiday spirit and sign up to be part of the magic of Artists’ Exchange’s upcoming annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Audition and volunteer sign-ups will be available for anyone wanting to participate on or offstage. Tickets will also be available for purchase for the shows, running Dec. 8-17 at Theatre 82 and the Park Theatre.
“It is a fun fall family event with unique arts activities that help support the arts in our community,” said McKenna-Yeaw. “Every kid loves going to a festival and getting prizes. The festival really brings Rolfe Square to life and continues to offer a fall festival for everyone to look forward to every year.”
SEASONAL CELEBRATION:
The Fall Out of Summer Arts Festival returns for its ninth year this weekend. (Herald file photo)
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