It’s time to break out your inner artist and plan on attending the SaratogaArtsFest, Saratoga Springs citywide celebration of the arts, scheduled for June 6-9, 2013. This well-known arts gala has released their schedule and this year the festival is expected to be more exciting than ever!
This year also marks the Saratoga Race Course’s 150th year, and as a tribute to the renowned race track’s sesquicentennial, many of the SaratogaArtsFest festivities and activities will salute the Saratoga Race Course and its rich history by offering a unique look into the world of horses. Straight from the Horse’s Mouth, a cabaret performance of songs and stories in which eight thoroughbred “horses” give funny and loveable accounts of their lives, will be performed by Home Made Theater. A dance performance by The Myers Dance Center/Northeast Ballet will explore the training and similarities between dancers and thoroughbred horses. The SaratogaArtsFest will play a key role in the Saratoga 150 festivities!
“This year’s festival is our most exciting to date,” said Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, executive director of SaratogaArtsFest. “The arts community enthusiastically embraced the Saratoga 150 theme, taking the opportunity to explore track-related art as well as the evolution of the arts over the past 150 years.”
SaratogaArtsFest is a four-day celebration of the arts aimed at appealing to a wide audience, from the art connoisseur to the youngest finger painter! The Saratoga Springs NY event will feature activities and events in the art genres of music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art.
What can you expect from SaratogaArtsFest 2013? A film and discussion series by the Saratoga Film Forum and Yaddo, a local artists retreat, will feature screenings of The Illusionist, Prodigal Sons, and Five Dances. Opera Saratoga will present Opera 150, in which the company’s general director, Curt Tucker, will lead a discussion about the evolution of opera over the past 150 years and the Saratoga Chamber Players will perform a chamber concert with bassoon, violins, viola, and cello that will highlight works that Saratoga audiences would have listened to 150 years ago.
Also on the lineup for this year’s SaratogaArtsFest? Tony Award-winning actor, dancer, and singer Ben Vereen; Cuban jazz superstars Tiempo Libre with celebrated pianist Alfredo Rodríguez; The New Orleans Hot 8 brass band; and Susan Marshall and Company dance troupe.
For the kiddies? “Kids Do Art,” a Sunday afternoon of hands-on art activities; a juried art show for students in k-12; high school short story contest; Tiny Tots program featuring Cowboy Dave by The Albany Symphony Orchestra, featuring an action-packed, interactive musical trail ride!
And in the literary arts, young writers will get a real treat… a presentation and book signing by writer and cartoonist Jeff Kinney, author of the no. 1 best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series!
The visual arts will feature a juried show of four artists at the SaratogaArtsFest Center and Gallery. Browse and buy fine art and craft works; meet artists and representatives of area organizations; sample delectable foods and wine; and enjoy live entertainment of all varieties! Galleries throughout the city will welcome visitors and local artists will be giving demonstrations of their skills.
Mark your calendars for June 6-9, 2013 and pay a visit to Saratoga Springs NY for an exciting four-day arts jubilee!
For a full schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit the SaratogaArtsFest website!
Be sure to purchase the ARTPASS, the festival admission package for adults and seniors, providing access to most festival events, as well as discounts and perks at area shops and eateries during the festival. The ARTSPASS also includes year-round benefits and discounts at area arts organizations, including galleries, theaters, and museums.
The prices for the admission packages are adults and seniors $40, students (18 and older with student I.D.) $20, military $15, youth (17 and under) free.
All admission packages can be purchased in person as well at the Skidmore College Bookstore and three city locations—Impressions of Saratoga and Mimosa Gallery, both on Broadway, and at the National Museum of Racing on Union Avenue. Beginning May 15, you may purchase your ARTPASS at the SaratogaArtsFest Center and Gallery, located at 38 Van Dam Street (corner of Van Dam and Woodlawn Avenue).
Learn more about SaratogaArtsFest…
