All articles with headlines that include "for the Pughkeepsie Journal" are unedited. They were put through rounds of editing before going to publication. This is the article as I wrote it.
This article appeared either in print or online - it is now in the Poughkeepsie Journal archives.
The word “Art” encompasses more than just drawing and painting, and this fact is recognized and celebrated annually at The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) festival in New Paltz.
Amongst stone houses dating back to the colonization of America, historic Huguenot Street is this year’s venue for hundreds of fine artists, musicians, theater groups, authors, poets, silent auctions, food venders, and children’s activities on Oct. 10.
Alongside the founding of the primary ideology of the festival, the first COTA was produced three years ago by then 15-year-old Noelle Mc Entee at nearby Hasbrouck Park. The initial goal was to celebrate artists of all disciplines and stages in their careers. COTA is currently pursuing, and does not intend on changing that mission.
Although the idea of showcasing a myriad of artists is the predominant theme, artists will also enjoy sharing and networking with each other. According to COTA’s fine art coordinator Melanie Cronin, the networking aspect is important to participating artists.
“Having artists of different skill levels together on one day might lead to meeting someone you never would have, which leads to the next opportunity… artists [have] ended up in galleries due to participation in this,” said Cronin.
Participants as well as guests are encouraged to talk and mingle with neighbors and the eclectic spectrum of talent.
Illustrative painter Eileen Brand Hedley holds the social aspect of COTA as most exciting.
“[COTA] is a good way to check out other peoples’ work… I get inspired,” she said.
The diverse range of exhibitions will forge a unique experience with respect to many different artistic genres. Although paints and canvases are prominent, performances from East Indian dancers, rock and rollers, jazz ensembles, Mexican “folkloric dancers,” and many more will be featured.
The main attraction is Oct. 10, however the festivities have already begun with an attraction called “COTA Corridors.” Throughout the month of September and until Oct. 10, art installations are hung in windows of businesses throughout downtown New Paltz. This gives community members an idea of what to expect should they attend the COTA festival.
SUNY New Paltz Art Education major Karissa Gropper has noticed part of COTA Corridors at a local pizzeria and is now excited about the event. She recognized some artists’ names as former New Paltz students and wondered if her future could be similar.
“I found it interesting to see some people who have gone through the same program and the same process as I’m going through,” said Gropper. “It’s cool to see what kind of art is going on in my own area… I would love to be part of this festival at some point.”
Gropper also noted that this event could have more of an impact on local residents if the school were involved. She was surprised that not one professor told her about the event. Promotional fliers and posters on campus, to her knowledge, were non-existent.
However, Gropper remains confident that the event will be a learning experience for those who attend.
“I like that anyone can apply to be in it…” said Gropper. “There’s going to be a lot of variety.”
COTA is a multifaceted event for the enjoyment of all age groups and interests. Cronin was unable to pinpoint her favorite aspect of the festival.
“The entire event I think really presents well as a whole,” said Cronin. “There isn’t a piece that surpasses the other.”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment