GO ART!

I was driving to Centennial Park on July 4th afternoon when we got the call for the fire in Bethany, so I didn't make Picnic in the Park until things were winding down.

I did get to meet Hiawatha and her owner Brian, which was fun, and I enjoyed some great Celtic music by Gan Ainm.

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Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) presents the 36th annual “Picnic in the Park” this Independence Day. The festivities run from noon until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4th, in historic Centennial Park on Richmond Avenue in Batavia. As is tradition, this year’s “Picnic in the Park” is a free, family-friendly event that will once again include all-day live musical entertainment, an arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more!

Introduced just last year to great response, the event will be preceded by a “Kiddie Parade” kicking off the day. Harkening back to earlier times, families with children ages 12 and under are invited to bring their bikes, scooters or strollers to the northwest corner of Centennial Park – between the Main Stage and Richmond Avenue -- at 11 a.m. to decorate them for an old time “Kiddie Parade.” Decorations will be provided, and the parade will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Ellicott and Park avenues.

Live entertainment is presented on two separate stages, the Main Stage and “Stage 2,” which has traditionally featured performances that engage kids and families. MAIN STAGE entertainment commences at noon with the “Picnic” staple Batavia Concert Band playing its traditional mix of Sousa-style marches and Big Band numbers.

Founded in 1924, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Concert Band itself consists of 40 - 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from advanced high school musicians to 50-year veterans. Many have professional performance experience; the rest are advanced amateurs. All love to play. The Band's musical repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, style and period, and includes marches, Broadway show tunes, favorites from hit musicals and movies, pop, jazz and even rock numbers arranged for band. Join the Band for weekly concerts during the summer on Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park.

A wide variety of bands featuring local and traditional music will follow on the Main Stage throughout the rest of the afternoon:

1 p.m. -- Stephanie Pietrzak, “America’s Polka Sweetheart,” takes the stage with her “Honky Polka Band” to perform their lively Polish polka music. Having played for more than 45 years in the polka industry, the much-heralded Pietrzak was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2010. She began her polka music career at age 7 on the accordion but soon switched to the Polish concertina, a larger, square-shaped type of accordion with a distinctive sound, loved by Polka musicians. For more than 25 years she performed as a duo with her mother, Wanda, and the two were dubbed “America’s Polka Sweethearts.” They toured extensively across the United States and Canada and performed on numerous radio and television broadcasts, and with other well-known Polka musicians such as The Versatones, Marion Lush and Li’l Wally. Sietrzak continues to perform with her own band and has recorded several albums, including her own compositions. She developed her own radio show celebrating the music she loves at Polkasonline.com and continues to win awards for her work as a concertina player, vocalist and songwriter.

2:30 p.m. – “Trilogy” is a four piece classic rock and roll band that has been playing family-oriented music in the Western New York area for the past 26 years. The band features Dana Hurlburt on lead guitar and vocals; Guy Macaluso on bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Eric Kelly on guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Tom Kwiecien on drums. Be prepared to sing along and have fun!

4 p.m. -- Gan Ainm (pron.: gahn ahn'-um) performs Irish and Irish American traditional music, led by John Ryan. Meaning “without a name,” Gan Ainm recognizes the innumerable tunes that are passed on from one musician to the next, known as a "reel," "jig," "polka," or "hornpipe" that may be nameless, or ascribed to a person or event that fits the moment. The group includes players who have grown up in the active Irish music and dance community of the Rochester area, performing on button accordion, concertina, fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, bodhran, as well as vocals. They will invite you into the high energy dance tunes, soulful ballads, and easy camaraderie of an Irish session.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY in Centennial Park, other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides by Hartland Carriages, pony rides and petting zoo by North Forty Pony Express and the Wildlife Educators Coalition returning with its wide assortment of animals. Geoffrey Clough offers his popular interactive program of children’s songs called “Cookie Songwriting,” and of course juggling and other roving entertainment in the park. The GLOW Area YMCA will have its bounce house and inflatable obstacle course on site, and the Explore Art! Tent invites kids and families to do their own hands-on art activity, all materials provided, and free face painting will be available at the tent. Also, Stage II, the “family stage,” features interactive programs for kids and families, including family entertainer Janice Spagnola’s “The Extra Fun Balloon Show,” magic and puppet entertainment with a twist…a balloon twist that is! Balloon puppets will come to life along with amazing balloon magic. And finally, a surprise performance written and performed by the audience itself in a classic “choose your own adventure” style finale.

Along the Richmond Avenue side of Centennial Park, artists and crafters representing an amazing diversity of arts and crafts are featured in an ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW AND SALE. An amazing variety of arts and crafts are represented, such as gemstone jewelry, photography, seasonal indoor/outdoor woodcrafts, puppets, hand-woven textiles, glass jewelry, clay creations, nautically inspired furniture, and much more. Additional attractions consist of booths by community nonprofit organizations, including Genesee County ARC information & recycling education, Genesee County Historians Association, Batavia Assembly of God dunk tank and sand art, Batavia Players pizza & show info, ACORNS Genesee County Park info, GO ART!’s Picnic in the Park prize giveaway and many others. “Picnic” always offers up tantalizing food by a variety of vendors, such as Abbott’s cones, sundaes, milkshakes and root beer floats, Lonsberry fresh-squeezed lemonade and soft pretzels, Kernel Cravin’ Kettle Corn, and, of course, the Batavia Jaycees famous "dog and burger stand" in its traditional location.

The event is funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Picnic sponsors include the County of Genesee, LocalEdge and Rotary Club of Batavia. Table sponsors: Batavia Area Jaycees, CY Farms/Batavia Turf, Roger & JoAnn Triftshauser, and Turnbull Heating & Air. Contributor: Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. Flag Sponsors: Bouchard Financial Services, Bob and Linda Knipe, McGinnis Excavation & Plumbing, and Tonawanda Valley FCU. Friends include Max & Jane Mason and Paula R. Schumann. Additional support provided by City of Batavia DPW, Genesee County Chamber and the Porter Family.

Admission is free to the “Picnic in the Park.” Please call GO ART! at 585-343-9313, e-mail info@goart.org or visit www.goart.org for more information.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the Decentralization Re-grant recipients for 2014 in Genesee and Orleans counties, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts. This year GO ART! received 27 applications to the Reach Grant Program requesting a total of $65,696.00. With $41,600 available, 26 of the applicants were awarded grants.

GO ART! is also pleased to re-grant two Ripple Grants ($2,500 each) to provide funding for the creation of new work by local individual artists who wish to involve the community in their creative process. One Arts Education Grant (recently renamed the Spark Grant) was awarded as well in the amount of $2,000. This grant provides funds to individual artists to create programs to work directly with children in a K-12 public school setting.

Reach Grant Program Award Recipients in Genesee County

• Batavia Concert Band -- 2014 Summer Concert Series -- $3,000
• Genesee Symphony Orchestra -- "A Time for Music: 67 Years of the GSO -- $3,000
• Gillam-Grant Community Center -- "Cultural Connections" -- $3,000
• Mental Health of Genesee County -- film series about MH issues -- $2,600
• Genesee Chorale/Regular Season -- "Hitting the High Notes" -- $2,500
• Batavia Players/Summer Youth -- Production of "Tommy" -- $2,000
• A Tale for Three Counties Council -- 2014 Reading Program -- $1,510
• Genesee ARC -- Sprout Touring Film Festival & Art Show -- $1,315
• Byron-Bergen Public Library -- "Fill Our Community with Culture" -- $1,300
• Village of Corfu -- Corfu/Pembroke Community Winterfest -- $1,200
• Batavia Players/Shakespeare -- Production of "Much Ado About Nothing" -- $1,100
• Friends of Richmond Memorial Library -- RML Senior Academy -- $1,000
• Le Roy Christian Community Project -- After School Theater & Art -- $1,000
• Woodward Memorial Library -- Everyone's an Artist youth program -- $900
• Town of Le Roy -- Trigon Park Summer Concert Series -- $800
• Encore! Theatre Arts -- Fall 2014 Musical Performance -- $800
• Genesee Chorale/Children's -- Children's Chorus -- $800
• Village of Bergen -- Tulley Building Mural Project -- $500

2014 Ripple Grant Recipients (both in Batavia)

• Patrick Burk -- "Macbeth the Movie" -- $2,500
• Kevin Feary -- "Moments Shared -- Portrait Sketches of Our Community" -- $2,500

The Decentralization Regrant Program (known locally as Reach, Ripple and Spark) was first developed in 1977 by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) in response to a mandate by the New York State Legislature to encourage greater participation in the state’s cultural funding at the local level. Local decision-making is the basic principle of the Decentralization Regrant Program in supporting a wide range of community-based professional and avocational arts programs in diverse communities throughout the state, and in helping to support the work of individual artists. GO ART! is proud to administer the NYSCA Decentralization Regrant Program in Genesee and Orleans counties.

The grant process begins in the summer with grant workshops held throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. Individuals, nonprofit organizations and local government agencies submit applications in the fall for community-minded artistic and cultural programs. These proposals are reviewed by a panel (there are separate panels for the Reach, Ripple and Spark grants), made up of artists, community leaders and educators from the two counties. The panel then submits funding recommendations to the GO ART! Board of Directors for approval, and grants are awarded. Through the Decentralization Regrant Program, GO ART!, NYSCA, and the New York State Legislature hope to expand, upgrade and increase arts and cultural programming in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is issuing a call for artists and crafters, food vendors, and nonprofit organizations to participate in the 36th Annual Picnic in the Park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The event takes place in Centennial Park, Richmond and Ellicott avenues in Batavia.

Application forms can be downloaded from the GO ART! Web site at www.GOart.org <http://www.GOart.org>, by e-mailing us at info@GOart.org, or by stopping by GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

Artists and Crafters are invited to exhibit and sell their work – which must be made by the artist/crafter – in the Arts and Crafts Show. The nonrefundable entry fee per space is $35 for non-members and $30 for members if paid by June 1st. After June 1st, the fee is $40 for non-members and $35 for members. If you refer a friend, and they participate as an artist or crafter in this year's show, you will be entered in a drawing to win a refund on your booth fee! The nonrefundable entry fee per booth for Food Vendors is $125 if paid by June 1st. After June 1st, the fee is $150.

As is tradition, nonprofit organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties may participate free of charge. All vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, signs, canopy, and extensions cords. The deadline to submit applications is no later than June 29.

Picnic in the Park is a free annual daylong event featuring activities for families and children, folk art events, entertainment and refreshment stands. Picnic in the Park is funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program.

For additional information, call the GO ART! office at 585.343.9313 or e-mail info@GOart.org

The contact person is Robin Upson.

Skyler Hampton works intently on his animated character "The Boxer" during an animation workshop this morning at GO ART!

Youngsters 9 to 12 years old are being shown the foundations of animation by Dave Puls, creative director for Animatus Studios in Rochester over the course of a three-day workshop.

Dave Puls.

Cole Ashley and Skyler Hampton.

The Boxer.

Lily Whiting at work on her project.

Press release:

After a year’s hiatus, GO ART!’s popular Salon Series returns in 2014 for three programs in March, April and May, on the theme “Small, Small World.” All GO ART! Salons are casual and fun, and each includes a themed menu, presentation from our artist(s), and time for socializing and discussion. They are sponsored by The Bank of Castile.

The line-up includes the following programs:

No Place Like Home: “America’s Songs – The Great American Songbook” with Michael Lasser

• 7 p.m. - Friday, March 28 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main Street, Batavia.

Michael Lasser says, “I’m not sure why, but American popular music is rich with anecdotes.”

Songs from the Great American Songbook -- when such songwriters as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter were at the height of the powers – were often collaborations between a composer and a lyricist. They often include anecdotes that give insight into how people work together, and also how the making of a song results from intuition and luck as often as intent.

Lasser’s talk weaves together the stories of how and why some of America’s most beloved songs came to be written. Books will be available for purchase!

Americana Menu: Chuck Brenner’s famous apple pie a la mode, assorted flavors of popcorn, mini hot dogs with mustard dips, chips and dip, chocolate chip cookies and soda. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Far East: GCC Forum Players “Tales From Japan”

• 5:30 p.m. - Friday, April 25 at GCC “Roz” Steiner Gallery & Stuart Steiner Theatre, Batavia

For this Salon, your reservation includes Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, the Salon program AND your ticket to the 7 p.m. performance. We start in the “Roz” Steiner Gallery where Director Norm Gayford shares entertaining insights about the production, presented by GCC Forum Players.

“Tales From Japan” is a collection of traditional Japanese tales where treasure is discovered in unexpected places, even the most unassuming characters are heroes, and beauty is found in all aspects of nature. From an old woman using her wisdom and wit to save a kingdom to a peach boy defeating the village monster, these exciting stories bring to life the subtle and surprising aspects of Japanese culture.

Zensai Menu: Asian cookies, spring rolls, cucumber rolls, ramen salad, fruit kebabs with plum sauce and green tea.

Across the Pond: St. James Handbell Choir

• 7 p.m. - Friday, May 16 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia

Enjoy traditional English music presented by the Handbell Choir of St. James Church, Batavia. Director Theresa DeMars helps us explore the history of the bells and the different techniques used to produce their beautiful sound.

This Salon includes a delightful English inspired menu, bell choir concert, and some exciting audience participation. The first tuned handbells were developed in England around 1700 and were first brought to the United States in 1902. The English handbell evolved as an instrument to be used for practicing change ringing of church tower bells. Many English pubs in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries had sets of handbells available so that the change ringers could sit by the fire, purchase a pint or two, and practice their changes.

Ms. DeMars and the St. James Handbell Choir bring the history of the bells to life in our English themed Salon.

Sweets & Savories Menu: Scones with jam, cheese board with biscuits, tea sandwiches, trifle, assorted candies and English tea. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Enjoy all three Salons in the Series for $45/members, $50/nonmembers; or join us for individual Salons for $18/members, $20/nonmembers.

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Reservations may also be made online at <http://www.goart.org>  under “Events.”

GO ART! presented its annual Community Arts Awards Saturday at Terry Hills.

Above, The Humans, presented with a Community Arts Award for "making an indelible mark on music history in Orleans County and Western New York."

Here's a video of their song "Warning." 

[videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-4qHr-9MXI]

Barb Toal receives a Community Arts Award from Diana Kasten on behalf of the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden. The award was for "dedication, drive and leadership in developing a unique cultural asset in the community."

Laura Gardner, owner of A lily & A Sparrow in Medina, with her award for "opening up new avenues of personal expression and creating a unique cultural experience in Medina."

Carol "Kay" McMahon, with Bill McDonald, who presented her award for "sharing musical and performing arts talent and encouraging the love of music in others." McMahon and McDonald then performed a song with their band The Old Hippies, which was also the house band for the night.

Mary Pat Hancock, chair of the County Legislature, was presented with a Special Recognition Award for her patronage and recognition of art and culture in Genesee County.

New this year is the Linda L. Blanchet Award, which consists of an award and a $500 scholarship for an artist from Orleans or Genesee county to assist the artist in the ongoing pursuit in art as a profession. The first winner was Joe Waszak, a fine art photographer from Orleans County. Examples of Waszak's work can be found on the Oak Orchard Review.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley was the emcee for the evening.

Not pictured, Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, who was presented with a Community Arts Award for "promoting the arts and cultural life in Batavia and integrating artistic visual imagery in reporting."

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council announces a call for artists to submit work in all media on the theme “Oh, The Weather Outside Is…” for exhibit Nov. 4 through Dec. 17.

Submitted artwork will be displayed in three GO ART! Galleries, including: GO ART! Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia; Batavia Satellite Gallery, Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia; Medina Satellite Gallery, The Shirt Factory Café, 115 W. Center St., Medina. All galleries are equipped with the Walker Hanging System.

The exhibit invitation is open to all artists in all media. Both emerging and experienced artists are encouraged to submit for this unique exhibit. All artwork submitted must be winter-related or connected somehow to the theme, and two-dimensional work must be framed and ready for hanging. Three-dimensional work will only be displayed at GO ART!, Seymour Place, Batavia.

A maximum of five pieces may be submitted. Requested drop-off dates are Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29 and 30 at locations in Genesee and Orleans counties.

For more information, or to request the guidelines and submission form, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313, info@GOart.org or visit <http://www.GOart.org> to download the form.

We are told that Rotary Annie is typically delivered to the unsuspecting victim in stealth, but Ray Shirtz and Ed Leising were caught in the act -- dropping off the sacred cow at Seymour Place/GO ART! early this evening.

Our highly confidential source informs us that since GO ART! is host to Rotary meetings, it's unlikely anybody in the building is facing a fine for having the cow on display.

Typically, the fine for a Rotary member who gets the cow is $60, though it's possible to purchase insurance for $30.

There should probably be some fine for getting your picture on The Batavian moving the cow.

Press release:

GO ART! presents its 13th annual Genesee-Orleans Community Arts Awards Gala Dinner & Auction at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street Road (Route 33), Batavia. Each year, GO ART! recognizes the extraordinary contributions in art and culture made by individuals and organizations in the Genesee-Orleans region at this unique event. This year’s honorees are:

Community Arts Awards:

• Business -- Laura Gardner, “a lily & a sparrow” in Medina
• Business -- Howard Owens, The Batavian
• Cultural Organization -- Barb Toal & Friends of Batavia Peace Garden
• Artist -- “The Humans” – John Dumrese, Richard Doolan, Gar Trusselle, William Kuhns, Martin Busch and the late Danny Long
• Artist -- Carol “Kay” McMahon, musician from Genesee County

GO ART! Board of Directors Special Recognition: Mary Pat Hancock, chair of the Genesee County Legislature

Linda L. Blanchet Award: To be announced

Tickets are $27/non-members, $25/members, and advance reservations are required. Enjoy a delectable dinner and desserts while local band “The Old Hippies” featuring Bill McDonald provides musical entertainment. Dress is business casual.

A silent auction featuring quality work by local artists, artisans and cultural organizations will be held throughout the evening, and the annual Gala Raffle will be held as well. The Grand Prize this year is 14K white gold pendant necklace with black and white diamonds .50ptw, compliments of Valle Jewelers; Value $1,250.

The Raffle tickets have a requested donation of $5 each or five for $20, and are available at GO ART! and at the event. Winners will be selected in a random drawing at the GO ART! Gala on Oct. 26; you do not need to be present to win.

For more information, call 585.343.9313, e-mail info@GOart.org, or visit www.GOart.org.

Bob Zeagler was all decked out for the 4th -- as he usually is -- at GO ART's Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park.

The picnic was once again a successful community event.

To purchase prints, click here.

GO ART! presents the 35th Annual PICNIC IN THE PARK • Thursday, July 4th, 2013 • Centennial Park, Batavia. Noon – 5 p.m.! A daylong celebration of art & music. Free Fun for the Whole Family!!! 

Main Stage -- 12 Noon
Batavia Concert Band. Always a crowd favorite, BCB performs Sousa-esque marches & Big Band numbers. 

1 p.m. -- The Town Pants. Irish traditional, folk and roots Americana, fusing their signature dual lead vocals to create their own unique brand of high energy "West Coast Celtic."

2:30 p.m. -- Trio Los Arpegios. Traditional Latin American music in the typical trio style of close vocal harmonies with guitar accompaniment.

4 p.m. -- The BossTones. Strongly grounded in old-time & bluegrass traditions, this fiddle trio also incorporates jazz, swing, & Celtic influences.

Explore Art!
Families are invited to join us for a FREE CREATIVE ACTIVITY at the Explore Art! Tent...decorate paper flowerpots & create paper flowers to be delivered to area nursing homes & hospitals. Also, try your hand at decorating white paper bags to be used in delivery of Meals on Wheels to senior citizens. Materials provided! AmeriCorps volunteer Beth Ely will help kids & adults alike to be creative. Face Painting will be available, too!

Kiddie Parade -- New this year! Bring your bikes, scooters or strollers…decorations will be provided! Decorating begins at 11 a.m.; Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. on Ellicott Avenue.

Stage II
12:30 p.m.  & 2 p.m. -- The Traveling Dress Up Theatre. Family friendly dress up storytelling... Unique and great fun for kids of all ages!

1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. -- The Stringmen. A delightful mix of folk & participatory music for kids of all ages. Doug Yeomans & Judd Sunshine bring over 30 years of experience to young people across Western NY.

All Day in the Park

• Juggling by Brian Kozody & Owen Gould
• Horse-drawn Wagon Rides & Petting Zoo by Hartland Carriages
• Miniature Golf by My Cowboy
• “Cookie Songwriting” by Geoffrey Clough
• Food Vendors & Nonprofit Organizations
• Air Gym & Inflatable Obstacle Course by YMCA
• Wildlife Educators Coalition
• Recycling by Genesee County ARC
• The Jaycees famous dog and burger stand!
• Arts & Crafts Show & Sale

For more information: 585-343-9313 / info@GOart.org / www.GOart.org / www.facebook.com/geneseeorleansarts. This event is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Press release:

For a complete list of winners, click here (PDF)