Alfred University Summer Arts Festival opens to great fanfare, continues throughout week

ALFRED, NY – The Alfred Summer Arts Festival: Making Meaning in an Uncertain World,” hosted by Alfred University, kicked off on Sunday, July 10, with an opening night party at the Cohen Center for the Arts. Approximately 135 attendees were treated to live music from local group “The Badgemen.” Some took the opportunity to participate with artist George Ferrandi in the creation of handmade paper lanterns, which will be displayed during an evening parade down Main Street on Friday.

The Summer Arts Festival, which continues through Saturday, July 16, includes morning and afternoon masterclasses by Ferrandi and other internationally renowned artists, as well as evening artist salons.

The following evening events are scheduled for the remainder of the week:

     · Tuesday, July 12, 7 p.m., Susan Howell Hall. “Commedia Dell’arte and Folk Inspired Influences” is an evening of programming which will include selections from Beethoven, Debussy, Britten, and Schumann, performed by cellist Ana Kim and Pianist Jasmine Nagano. Light snacks provided.

     · Tuesday, July 12, 9 p.m., Alfred Village Bandstand. A night of outdoor films bringing together contemporary experimental film and media art. Films range from hand-painted 16mm film, found footage, glitch, image-processing, and more. Come out to see experimental films and videos under the Alfred stars. Light snacks and beverages provided, chairs provided or bring a picnic blanket and basket.

     · Wednesday, July 13, 7 p.m., Miller Performing Arts Center. “How To: Slow Down” presents community members with the opportunity to learn more about the creative process of this year’s visiting artists. Each artist offers a glimmer into how they work ranging from music to dance to psychology. The evening will be kicked off by psychologist Vincenzo Di Nicola who will read from his manifesto on the topic of slow thought.

     · Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m., Cohen Center for the Arts (Main Street, Alfred. A Letter from the Treetops” and dance party. A Letter from the Treetops is the latest solo album from artist in residence Jesse Chandler, who will create an original live show for Alfred. This will be followed by a DJ set by Alfred native John Lewis. Snacks and beverages provided. Cash bar available.

     · Friday, July 15. "Becoming Birds Parade.” Those who made lanterns with George Ferrandi will gather at the Cohen Center at 8 p.m. to participate in a parade down Main Street in Alfred at 8:30 p.m. The evening will culminate in a dance show inside the village hall.

         · Saturday, July 16, all-day. “Family and Friends” activities:

         · Yoga, 9-10 a.m., Miller Center for Performing Arts.

         · Tai Chi, 10-10:30 a.m., Village Bandstand

         · Face painting, natural dye presentations, making music and dancing, 10:30 a.m.-noon Village Bandstand. (Bring your instruments if you have one)

     ·  Saturday, July 16, 7 p.m., Cohen Center for the Arts. “Making Meaning in an Uncertain World.” This culminating evening will be an opportunity to see what the artists have been working on all week in their masterclasses. There will be drinks, snacks, and performances and installations designed by the artists. Snacks and drinks provided; Cash bar available.