PHOTOS: Art takes Center stage in Lewiston

Mon, Aug 12th 2024 11:55 am

Artpark installations, Lewiston Art Festival draw crowds, rave reviews

Art was on display in Lewiston this weekend – and people came out in droves to catch a glimpse of a “crashed satellite,” gaze at unbelievable tree faces, and be amazed by a circus act in a food truck – and that was just Friday night! Saturday and Sunday brought the Lewiston Art Festival – and what appeared to be record attendance, with wall-to-wall crowds strolling Center Street.

Artpark & Company partnered with Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen to unveil a 1962 replica of a Canadian satellite that appears to have “crash-landed” inside the courtyard of the restaurant at Center and North Fourth streets. The “Alouette” art installation debuted Friday night and showcases the aerospace device as if it had fallen out of the sky and impacted the Earth. It was created by Brandon Vickerd and will be on public display through Aug. 21.

Later that evening, the Montreal-based Cirque Kikasse troupe of high-flying acrobatics entertained an enthusiastic audience inside the Artpark Amphitheater with a dazzling street-level show. Performers paired balance and trampoline skills … with snacks and beverages, which they served postshow from their stage/street truck!

Finally, when the sun set, Craig Walsh’s “Monuments” appeared in the trees lining the outdoor venue. This temporary multimedia installation, created by acclaimed Australian artist Walsh, places moving, digitally mapped faces and expressions of nine of Artpark & Company’s “unsung heroes.”

The faces were selected to honor Artpark’s Indigenous neighbors, stage crew, staff, volunteers, board of directors, legacy and artists, in addition to New York State Parks, and patrons past, present and future. Honorees include Violet Printup, Jack Wrobel, Susan Stimson, Bruce Boe, Joanne Bauer, Jason Brydges, Alison Lytle, Vincent Iacovitti and Juniper DiGesare.

Craig Walsh’s “Monuments” is free and open to the public, after dark (between 9 and 11 p.m.), on the nights of Aug. 12, 14, 15 and 18. All concertgoers at events through Aug. 17 can also witness the trees come alive.

Artpark & Company Interim President Dave Wedekindt said, “We’re very pleased to hear the community response from both our recent installations. ‘Alouette’ is fun, unexpected, and accessible, and continues our public art partnership with Michael Hibbard and Gallo. “ ‘Monuments’ by Craig Walsh is a perfect fit for our 50th anniversary as it celebrates some of our unsung heroes who have helped make Artpark what it is today and tomorrow.”

At the Lewiston Art Festival, visitors engaged with artists while perusing (and purchasing) paintings, drawings and fine pieces of fiber, metal, wood, pottery and jewelry.

The annual event also featured the Chalk Walk, which had both professional creators and curious community members; College Alley, showcasing the next generation of artists; another performance by Cirque Kikasse; and a celebration of Indigenous history, creations and music via the “Trail of Treaties” and events and activities inside Hennepin Park. Music and food vendors added to the family fun.

Lewiston Council on the Arts Executive Director Maria Fortuna Dean said, “It's hard to believe just how many people have to work together to make an event like the Lewiston Art Festival a success! We at the Lewiston Council on the Arts are endlessly grateful to all our supporters: our elected officials and workers in the Village and Town of Lewiston and the Town of Niagara; the police, fire and public works departments; our dedicated board of directors, our generous sponsors and our can-do volunteers – these two days celebrating the creative spark in all of us could not happen without all of you! To all the artists, musicians, performers and concessionaires gathered in our fair village: Thank you for your dedication to your craft and for sharing your gifts with all of us.”

Joshua Maloni contributed to this report, and took the photos.

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Brandon Vickerd's 'Alouette' at Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen