5th Annual Fall Out of Summer Arts Festival Set for Today, 9/23

Artists' Exchange and Gateways to Change, Inc. previously announced that the 5^th annual Fall Out of Summer Arts Festival would be held today, September 23, 2012 from 11am to 5pm in the lots surrounding Artists' Exchange and Citizens Bank. The festival will feature live music and theater, artisans, art activities and contests, food and more. Admission is free for kids 12 & under, with a regular admission of $1 to benefit Artists' Exchange's programs.

Artisans will showcase a variety of items including but not limited to stationery, jewelry, paintings, pottery and upcycled and recycled items. Attendees can also get their faces painted, have Henna Art applied or get temporary tattoos.

Live musical performances by bands and artists influenced by folk, rock, blues and beyond will include Fall and Bounce, Ghost of Vigoda, Adela and Jude, Colby & Keila, Miller's English, Red Ed & the Undead, Wal Man, Myke Sky, Jacqueline Bartlett, Steve Allain, Rick Drost, Jenny White, Amanda McCarthy, Billy Mitchell, Mr. Whodo, Ryan Casperson and Kate Katzberg.

Ceile Kennels will present a "Doggie Show Off Contest," in which participants can enter their dogs into a variety of categories such as "Most Artsy," "Best Dressed" or "Best Trick." Rolfe Square's own Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio will also showcase their talents.

In Artists' Exchange's main gallery there will be an unveiling of a collaborative art piece made by 2012 Artists' Exchange Summer Art Camp participants. This year's piece is a storybook that tells a single story pieced together with illustrations made by each week's group of campers, inspired by the week's corresponding theme. The story, which was facilitated by RISD Illustration student AaRon Harris, involves a variety of adventures that feature mustaches, a bunny and other characters. The book will be shared with audiences through dramatic readings offered throughout the day by actors involved in Artists' Exchange programs.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities, art contests, and raffles. Art activities include a Human Art Contest, in which participants use a variety of materials to dress themselves as a walking work of art, along with the more traditional Street Art Contest, sponsored by Amica Insurance, in which participants transform a square of pavement into a two dimensional masterpiece. Entries for both contests 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 the "Escher Tessellation Toss" or "Warhole in One."

New this year will be a collaborative Found Art Community Project facilitated by Claudia DeCesare and Ken Craft, owners of the newly opened Recaptured Originals on Rolfe Square. Claudia and Ken are studio artists at Artists' Exchange who refurbish pieces of furniture and also work with staiNed Glass. They will be showcasing items from their new boutique and guiding attendees in contributing to a unique piece of upcycled art that will be displayed at their store.

In the Black Box Theatre, Artists' Exchange's own in-house theatre, attendees can participate in theater games run by local thespians and educators Kate Lester and Tom Chace, watch a preview of The Black Box Theatre's upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, or selections from the Black Box's most recent One Act Play Festival.

"We're so excited to get the word out about our production of A Christmas Carol returning to the Park Theatre this year," says Rich Morra, Black Box Theatre Director. "Our production of 'A Christmas Carol' has become a community tradition and we're lucky to be able to produce the show in a state-of-the-art performing arts center right here in our neighborhood."

Information about the Black Box Theatre's 2012 production of "A Christmas Carol" will be available. Attendees can sign up to audition for the production as well. A 25% discount will be offered on all fall class registrations processed during the event.

Adding to the festival fare will be pony rides, pumpkin painting and an ice cream sundae station.

Increasing in popularity each year, the festival brought in close to 3,000 attendees last year.

Sponsors include Amica Insurance, Digital Document Solutions, The Park Theatre, The Cranston Herald, Macaroni Kid, Nicole Gesmondi Photography, The Battery Shop, Panera Bread and Dunkin' Donuts.

The 5^th annual Fall Out of Summer Arts Festival will take place today, September 23^rd at 50 Rolfe Square in the lots surrounding Artists' Exchange and Citizens Bank in Cranston, RI from 11am to 5pm. In the event of rain, the event will take place the following Sunday, September 30^th. For more information, contact Christina Mealey at 401.490.9475or visit www.artists-exchange.org.

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