WESTFIELD-Building on the “success” of the first Articulture Westfield, organizers are currently putting the finishing touches on this spring’s event that will increase artist participation.
“Last year was ArtWorks of Westfield’s first Articulture event in which we started on a smaller scale of six authors, 11 artists, 12 bands/soloist performing, and dance performers,” said Cheryl Crowe, event manager and treasurer of ArtWorks of Westfield. “The event was a success as many patrons came to see what the event was about and meet the area’s artistic talent.”
Members of Artworks of Westfield review logistics at the Westfield Woman’s Club on Sunday night for Articulture Westfield 2017. (Submitted photo).
Articulture Westfield 2017, featuring musical, literary and visual artists, is slated for April 22 from 1 to 10 p.m. at the Westfield Woman’s Club, 28 Court St.
Crowe noted next month’s event increases the number of artists providing a broader range of artistic talents, including six authors and up to 12 musicians.
“This event gives all artists the opportunity to showcase their talents to the community and the community knowing who they are,” said Crowe. “The most important aspect of this event is the fact that the artists play a major role in putting this event together.”
Bill Westerlind, president of ArtWorks of Westfield, echoed those sentiments.
“Articulture Westfield 2016 was a great success for ArtWorks of Westfield, local artists and the community,” said Westerlind. “The artists and musicians loved the venue and patrons thoroughly enjoyed the mix of artistic expression.”
Both Crowe and Westerlind added that this year ArtWorks of Westfield is a stand-alone, nonprofit entity, a year older with “a lot of experience.”
“Our goal is to expand and broaden the mix of gallery artists and authors while narrowing the number of stage performers but extending the time each act has to perform,” said Westerlind.
During its inaugural year, more than 500 patrons attended Articulture Westfield 2016 and both Westerlind and Crowe are hopeful that word spreads about this year’s celebration of home-grown artists.
“While the exact line up of performers remains a work in progress, we are thrilled to announce that Westfield’s own Lexi Weege and her band will be performing at Articulture,” said Westerlind. “Lexi and her pop up Women of Westfield Mini Music Fest in 2015 served as the inspiration for the launch of ArtWorks of Westfield.”
At press time, confirmed acts include the five piece blues, rock and country cover band Whitaker Hill; Stumpy McToad, a blues-rock power trio; Andy Has A Band, straddling a line between classic country and rock, and classical guitarist Tyshawn Lee Davis.
Also, gallery artists scheduled to participate include Steve Jones, U.S.M.C. veteran and founder of the Warrior’s Art Room; Danny Nason, local photographer and member of the Images of Westfield visual art group; watercolor, oil and pastel artist Jacqueline Sears; painter Natalie Avery, and painter, printmaker and muralist Pat Conant.
“This is just a sampling of the artists showing their creations,” said Westerlind. “We expect to host up to 24 gallery artists doubling the number of artists participating last year. Our good friends at the Southwick Cultural Council have allowed us to use some of their gallery art display panels which offers us the opportunity to display more work.”
Crowe added that Articulture features the unique artistic talent of all ages of musicians, artists and local authors and allows them to showcase and sell their items all in one place.
“You just can’t be bored witnessing the amazing talent where you can shop, talk to all the artists, and sit for a while listening to music staying as long as you want,” said Crowe.
In addition to Westerlind and Crowe, artists working behind the scenes include Westfield guitarist and song writer Tom Sawyer who is assembling the performers for the main stage; professional writer and published author Susan Buffum who is coordinating the authors for the show; Jessica Martin, proprietor of Blue Umbrella Books on Main Street, who is assisting Buffum, and Doug Cotton, owner of Whip City Music on Elm Street, who has been preparing musical equipment for the show.
“In addition to the musical bands and soloists, the main stage line up will include a performance by the Westfield Boys & Girls Club performance art dance group and a presentation of ‘O’Henry’ by members of the Westfield Theatre Group,” said Westerlind.
Westerlind added that the show provides area residents with a unique day to enjoy local music and art at a “very affordable” price.
Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $5 for teens and seniors, and children under 12 accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Tickets are available through ArtWorks board members and artists, as well as at Whip City Music and Jayzz Cafe on Main Street.
“Folks can come and go as they please,” said Westerlind. “We encourage folks to visit some of the many fine dining locations in downtown Westfield during the show.”
Volunteers and artists are still welcome to get involved in the endeavor by contacting Crowe at (413) 533-3372.
“We hope people turn out for the event to show their support for our local artists and enjoy some first class, extremely affordable cultural entertainment,” said Westerlind, adding that all proceeds after operating expenses will support future cultural events and local artists.
Crowe agreed.
“It’s so worth coming to see such amazing talent of all ages, meet all the artists, and purchase unique artist’s merchandise at reasonable prices,” said Crowe. “This event is for the artists, by the artists, which is what this is all about.”
