In 2010, I posed this question: What would our community look like if we not only embraced its artists, but also actively sought to promote the commerce (and good) these activities can bring for the artists' benefit?
And the answer is, still three years running, ArtPeers' annual Fall Festival.
While their annual festival spans over many days, the one event that really feels like a homecoming celebration for the local arts community and those who love and support local artists is the annual Salmagundi event held each year at Wealthy Theatre.
Salmagundi refers to a 17th Century food dish created by employing many ingredients. Just like the famous dish, patrons of this fundraising event for ArtPeers will see more than 20 performers and musicians hitting the stage with a series of fresh new works.
"ArtPeers began out of the question, 'Why aren't we supporting one another?'" says Wealthy Theatre Director Erin Wilson. Befitting of this question is the response of the diverse group of performing artists who will be a part of this theatrical production including dancers, musicians, playwrights and actors in a one-night-only performance.
It is also a night of debuts as performers Steven Iannacone, Heather Vaughan-Southard, Austin Bunn, Marlee Grace Cook-Parrott, Brandon Harneck, Mary Jo Masters, Amy Wilson and Angie Yetzke will join forces with musical acts Ben Scott-Brandt of Ribbons of Song, expunk and the video craftsmanship of Seth Thompson & Hybrid Media Company.
It is best to remember this is a chance to experience local art live in a format that YouTube cannot even touch when replayed at a later date. Theatre is temporal, just like our lives, and is best experienced as it is being created. You will not want to miss any of ArtPeers' Fall Festival but it should really be a crime to skip out on seeing Salmagundi. (You've been warned.)
Admission: S12. General / $10. CMC Members
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