If it's at all possible, Wild at Art Festival organizers have actually expanded their target demographic this year with the newest talent to the long list of events - local youth.
It's no secret that 樱桃视频has a large pool of talented child and teen actors, musicians and artists, and festival organizers are teaming up with already well-established local arts groups to showcase inspiring creations from school-aged residents.
"Dance, music, art, theatre, song, or craft are integral components to learning and development," said festival organizer Michelle Neilsen. "With community encouragement and ongoing educational programs, our youth have the potential to establish themselves as successful actors, playwrights, creative directors, famous artists or even rock stars."
The first event will pepper the town with visual arts displays beginning March 7 and leading up to the 2010 Olympic Games.
Festival co-ordinator Shannon Grantham headed the project, organizing students from all schools in the Howe Sound School District, as well as 脡cole les Aiglons and Cedar Valley Waldorf, to create paintings on large panels themed heritage, history, culture or landscape. Once complete, each school will attach their set of panels together to form a large quilt-like mosaic for display at the District of 樱桃视频Municipal Hall, Brennan Park Recreation centre, the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, the Adventure Centre, Greg Gardner Motors and RONA Revy leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
"We wanted to create a legacy public art piece," said festival board member Michelle Neilson. "Our goal was to somehow engage all of our local children and youth to create a symbol of community spirit as we gear up for the Olympics. Our hope is that these mosaics will always remind us of the value in community unity and collaboration."
One mosaic remains without a home however, and festival organizers are hoping a business or an organization with public space will come forward. To donate a space, email Shannon Grantham at [email protected].
Next on the list of youth events are performances from past Star Search contestants. Presented by the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association, Star Search has been discovering local talent for over a decade. On March 7, re-live the best of the musical entertainers at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
Finally, in the last days of the festival, audiences are invited take in YouthFEST - an annual program of locally-created stage performances. This year, the youth ensemble presents five short plays at the Eagle Eye Theatre March 13 and 14. Tickets are $9 or $7 for students and seniors.
