The lush grounds of the Silvermine Arts Center, located in New Canaan will host the second annual ArtsFest on Saturday, September 15th from 2pm to 4pm. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled day of music, puppet shows, and hands-on art activities at this free outdoor event.
Silvermine's popular Sculpture Walk can be enjoyed by young and old in addition to listening to the music of Howard Fishman and the Biting Fish Brass Band, a five-piece New Orleans-style brass band. This high-energy, contagiously exuberant band will perform originals, mixed with a classic brass band repertoire of spirituals, blues, gospel and funk. Howard Fishman is a critically acclaimed singer, guitarist, composer and bandleader.
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| Howard Fishman and the Biting Fish Brass Band |
Fishman's Biting Fish band is a tribute to the Big Easy, his former home, which features the singer-songwriter along with his band members on tuba, trombone, trumpet, drums and vocals performing an eclectic, funky repertoire that careens from street-beat style traditional gospel, to surprising covers, to Fishman's own quirky, fun originals. Fishman has headlined in some of the most prestigious venues in the U.S. and abroad, including: Lincoln Center, The Steppenwolf Theatre, the Blue Note, the Great American Music Hall and the Le Petit Journal in Paris. A testament to his wide-ranging appeal, Howard Fishman has appeared on bills with such diverse artists as Odetta, Yo Yo Ma, Madeleine Peyroux, Allen Holdsworth and Nellie McKay. You won't want to miss this wonderful opportunity to see and hear this small band with a mighty, infectious sound, suitable for both happy listening and ridiculous dancing.
In addition to music, kids of all ages will enjoy the puppetry of WonderSpark Puppets, who will perform "Kid Lancelot's Birthday Quest" at this year's ArtsFest. Once upon a time, there was a brave knight and a beautiful princess who bravely saved the Kingdom of Lockheart! It's up to Kid Lancelot or Princess Petunia to defeat bullies, help wizards, ride a dragon and save the day. This medieval adventure includes lots of laughter and a cast of hilarious characters. Founded by husband and wife team Chad Williams and Lindsey "Z." Briggs, WonderSpark Puppets infuse fun and whimsy into all their performances. "Z" Briggs has been a professional puppeteer for the last 7 years as a performer and builder on numerous projects. Chad Williams is a filmmaker turned puppeteer, and has shot and edited two puppetry documentaries. WonderSpark Puppets present the sweet, funny puppet shows that engage the imaginations of kids and adults alike!
Other happenings of the day will include a variety of hands-on activities for children and adults led by the distinguished faculty of the School of Art.
And, of course, there is the opportunity to see the end of summer exhibits in the Silvermine Galleries that will run through September 16th. The exhibits during ArtFest feature a juried Guild show, "Collective Vision," a Historical Exhibition, "Silvermine, Milestone Graphics and the American Print Renaissance, 1979-1989," and "Full Tilt" a solo exhibition of the works by Silvermine Guild artist Robert Gregson.
For more information about ArtsFest, call 203-966-9700, ext.22, or visit www.silvermineart.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com
About
Silvermine Arts Center
Silvermine Arts Center located in New Canaan,
Connecticut is one of the oldest artist communities in the United States.
Located on a four ½ acre campus, the center is comprised of a nationally
renowned artist guild; award winning school of art offering multi-disciplinary
art classes for ages 2 to 102; and a gift shop and galleries, offering over
twenty contemporary and historic exhibitions annually. The center also provides
innovative arts education in Norwalk and Stamford schools through its outreach
program, Art Partners, and hosts a lecture series and special programs
throughout the year. Silvermine Arts Center is a nonprofit organization.
Silvermine
Arts Center Mission
Grounded in the belief that art is vital to the
spirit, creativity and wholeness of human beings, the mission of Silvermine
Arts Center is to cultivate, promote and encourage growth through the arts; to
showcase and serve artists; and to foster arts education and appreciation
opportunities for the greater community.
