WESTFIELD-A vibrant arts district continues to evolve as members of ArtWorks of Westfield, Inc. prepares for its second Articulture event April 22.
“What’s unique of this Articulture event is the mutual respect, enthusiasm, and co-existence between all of the artists that has been wonderful to watch and be a part of their world,” said Cheryl Crowe, event manager and treasurer, ArtWorks of Westfield, Inc. “Over the past year that ArtWorks of Westfield has been in the formation, many artists have come forward identifying themselves and becoming involved which has helped open doors for them and ArtWorks growth.”
Crowe noted that several of last year’s artists will return to the event with the expansion of a variety of new local artists “that will leave you in awe with the amazing talent that has been hidden away.”
Crowe added that since Bill Westerlind’s vision of expanding a vibrant arts district started last January, ArtWorks has been pulling artists in of all ages and witnessing a “bouquet of creative talent” within the community.
“Westfield on Weekends pulls off well organized large scale artistic events such as Dickens Days and the Concert on the Green while ArtWorks continues the life of arts on a smaller scale maintaining a steady stream of artistic vitality,” said Crowe. “Many of the artists have been collaborating with local small business owners through musical entertainment, books and authors, and, of course, the art of food. Thank you to all small business owners.”
Westerlind, who serves as president of ArtWorks of Westfield, echoed those sentiments.
“Our local business partners have been wildly supportive of the arts and our efforts,” said Westerlind. “The ticket to Articulture Westfield 2017 allows folks to come and go as they please. While at the show we encourage everyone to explore the many eateries and cafes in the downtown area, stop at the local book store, and imagine a thriving cultural district in our city.”
Articulture events will be conducted at the Westfield Woman’s Club on Court Street from 1 to 10 p.m.
“Warm thanks go out to the Westfield Woman’s Club for their generous time in allowing the pre-planning at their facility and the facility to host the event,” said Crowe. “Thanks to another year of Tom Sawyer for putting the musical format together, Jay Pagluica and Doug Cotton for their selfless time arranging the sound system for these talented musicians, and City Councilor Andrew Surprise and Danny Nason for their talented marketing of this event.”
Gallery artists scheduled to exhibit their works include Richard Nowak, Ellen Westerlind, Donna Carmel, Pat Conant, Steve Jones, Robert Bard, Natalie Avery, Jacquie Sears, Julie Desharnais, Danny Nason, Westfield Adult Day Health, Sebastin Glebocki, Vincent Caruso, James Johnson-Corwin and Karrisa Bean.
Literary artists who are slated to showcase their books include Susan Buffum, Melissa Volker, Shawn Flynn, Katherine Anderson, Rhonda Boulette and Rick Storomski.
Music and performing artists on the main stage will include Andy Has A Band, Mandy Maloney, Westfield Boys & Girls Club Dancers, O’Henry! Performance, Roma and Elena Bentrewicz, Duane Woody, Tyshaun Lee Davis, Whittaker Hill, Charlie Galvin Band, Stumpy McToad, Lexi Weege and Esperanto.
Westerlind said the cost of the $8 ticket price ($5 for teens and free to kids) allows patrons to stroll through artistic creations of local gallery artists, chat with local authors and illustrators, and enjoy hours of live music and stage performances.
“So many cities and towns around us host vibrant cultural activities and events,” said Westerlind. “We strive to make Westfield one of those communities where artists, musicians, creators and residents come together to rejoice in the wonders of art.”
