By The TimesLedger
The most exciting artistic event of the season will take place Saturday and Sunday at Fort Tilden, Gateway National Recreation Area in Rockaway—ArtFrenzy.
The Queens Council on the Arts is pleased to present ArtFrenzy in partnership with Gateway National Recreation Area and Friends of Gateway. ArtFrenzy joins the sunny array of the Rockaway Chamber of Commerce’s SummerFun 2002 events program to welcome the summer season. With support from the Rockaway Artists Alliance, the Rockaway Theater Company and the Rockaway Music and Arts Council, this event promises to deliver a wonderful weekend of art, music and remembrance.
This arts festival, fueled by the energetic and creative efforts of area artists, arts groups, schools and communities, will offer two full days of eclectic stage performances, open studio tours, art exhibitions, hands-on craft workshops, a children’s parade, craft vendors, a vintage car display and theater pieces.
The history of face painting will be enacted in a unique performance entitled, “Heads & Tales,” sponsored by the Rockaway Music and Arts Council. In addition to performances in the park, Queens Council on the Arts will be bringing PRNY, a sizzling Puerto Rican band, to entertain the Relay for Life participants at Beach Channel High School on Saturday night. Selected ArtFrenzy performances will come to local nursing homes during the festival weekend.
Growing interest in the artistic possibilities of the area has contributed to the development of artist studios and exhibition spaces of the Rockaway Artists Alliance. The Rockaways have also attracted the interest of sculptor Peter Lundberg, who will install a large outdoor sculpture on Riis landing. This concrete and steel sculpture will add a stunning visual component to the view of the Marine Park Bridge. The concrete for this sculpture was generously donated by Quadrozzi Cement Corp.
The Rockaway Theatre Company will present excerpts from the Rockaway café, musical numbers, open auditions and Ken Ludwig’s comedy “Lend Me a Tenor” throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy theater on the beach.
Craft vendors along Beach 169th street will display handmade crafts and treasures. A wide assortment of pottery, stained glass, photography, ornaments and small objects of art created by many local craft artists will be on display. Children can participate in costume workshops, a parade, mural projects or crazy hat-making activities all weekend long.
All are invited to spend a day at the ArtFrenzy and kick off the summer season in a frenzy of art on the beach!
For more information, go to www.artfrenzy.net or call the Queens Council on the Arts at 647-3377.
