Lewiston Council on the Arts announces 2012 schedule of events

Press release

The Lewiston Council on the Arts released its schedule of 2012 events on Tuesday.

Tai chi in the Peace Garden

Instructor: Bob White. Tai chi is an ancient exercise that embodies the principles of health and movement, and strives for true harmony between body and mind. The exercises are soft and spiral-like "meditation in motion." Tai chi slows down the effects of aging and brings the entire body into harmony with natural cycles, rhythms and forces.

• 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on Thursdays, June 7, 14, 21 and July 5, 12 and 19.
• Lewiston Peace Garden, 476 Center St.

Yoga in the Peace Garden

Instructor Laura Vendryes. Take an hour each week to re-discover yourself with yoga. Increase your energy and sense of wellbeing, and infuse some restorative relaxation into the hectic week with gentle poses perfect for students of all levels. Bring an open mind, a yoga mat, water to hydrate, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. 

• 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and July 7.
• Lewiston Peace Garden, 476 Center St.

Drumming For Peace

Bring your percussive instruments to our weekly drum circle. Dan and Gail Reinbird and their guest musicians introduce multicultural beats, resulting in an evening of improvised fun for people of all ages and abilities. The main objective is to share the rhythm and feel the beat. Free, relaxing, therapeutic and very cool!

• 6 p.m. on Fridays, June 8 through July 27.
• Lewiston Peace Garden, 476 Center St.

This event is made possible, in part, with funds from the Arts Niagara Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Tonawandas' Council on the Arts, Carnegie Center.

The Ties that Bind

The Lewiston Peace Garden, in partnership with the LCA, will participate in Binational Doors Open 2012, June 15 to 17. One of the most significant cross-border regions for War of 1812 activities, the focus in 2012 is on the celebration and commemoration of our rich shared history and heritage.

The program will begin with a "Christoesque" art installation called "The Ties That Bind." Hundreds of scarves, in myriad shapes and colors, will be tied together and strung throughout the garden. The colorful display, donated by both Canadian and American women, will signify the many ways that women in both countries are bound together in 200 years of peace and friendship.

Also in the Peace Garden this weekend: A participatory "Drumming Circle for Peace" (Friday at 6 p.m.) and excerpts from the "The Marble Orchard: Spirits of 1812" (Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.).

Chainsaw Art at Olde Sanborn Days

In partnership with the Rotary of Niagara County Central, LCA presents a chainsaw artist during this weekend residency. With engines screaming and sawdust streaming, a Master of the Chainsaw will create a masterpiece before your eyes. Enjoy the charm of this old-fashioned country fair and craft show, with plenty of activities and demonstrations for the entire family. Free event.

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 14 and 15.
• Sanborn Fire Co., Route 429 in Sanborn

"Blue Mondays"

Recipient of Blues Beat Magazine's prestigious "Muddy" Award, "Blue Mondays" comes back to the Hennepin Park Gazebo for its 18th year of great blues music. Considered by many to be one of the best blues venues in Western New York, the concerts attract a faithful following of blues lovers from all over.

• Free event
• 7 to 9 p.m. in the gazebo, corner of South Fourth and Center streets, Lewiston

Concerts:

• July 16 • Steve Burnside & the Original Marquis
• July 23 • Win, Lose or Draw
• July 30 • Willie Haddath Band
• Aug. 6 • Pale Face
• Aug. 13 • Joseph Michael Mahfoud the Stevie Project
• Aug. 20 • Blues Hounds

Sponsored by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and Souvenir City

"Summer of '69"

Where were you in the summer of 1969? Tune in, turn on and reunite at the grooviest summer happening of the year. Most of Lewiston's 1960s rock musicians have moved on to more "respectable" jobs, but for one night only they will reunite at the gazebo for an evening of favorites from the '60s, '70s and '80s.

Featuring the Loved Ones, the County Orphanage, the Invaders and, as a special guest, Grammy winner Gary Baker.

For the finale, all players will take the stage for a classic jam.

• 6 p.m. on Friday, July 13
• In the Hennepin Park Gazebo, corner of South Fourth and Center streets, Lewiston

Sponsored by Sevenson Environmental Services

"The Marble Orchard: Spirits of 1812"

Lewiston played an important role in the War of 1812 and its destiny was changed forever after it was burned to the ground in 1813. Hear dramatic and inspirational stories of the impact that the war had on the lives of everyday people. The award-winning Marble Orchard Players bring history to life in the telling of these true stories that celebrate the pioneer spirit.

• 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 and 21; 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 22
• In the Hennepin Park Gazebo, corner of South Fourth and Center streets, Lewiston

Sponsored by Niagara River Greenway Commission.

Grant support from Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

KeyBank Chalk Walk Competition

Watch the chalk fly at the 28th Annual Chalk Walk Competition - a highlight of the Lewiston Art Festival. Teams of student artists create spectacular murals and compete for cash awards, trophies and bragging rights.

The 2012 theme is: "Diversity is___." Students will complete the statement and create a mural to represent their statement in a positive way.

• Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11
• Fifth and Center streets, Lewiston

Sponsored by KeyBank and Mount St. Mary's Hospital & Health Center

46th annual Lewiston Art Festival

Lewiston's signature event features work by more than 175 exceptional artists and fine crafters. Located just five miles north of Niagara Falls, the charming streets of picturesque Lewiston have long attracted visitors to its unique shops, restaurants and parks.

Meet the artists one-on-one and enjoy more than 20,000 original works of art - from functional to surreal, one-of-a-kind and limited edition art works form an unparalleled collection that can only be seen once a year.

The featured artists this year are Simon Brascoupé, Rosemary Hill and Karen Hodge Russell. They will demonstrate authentic and contemporary Indian art and conduct workshops in front of the Tuscarora and Friends Gallery, 736 Center St.

College Alley features student artwork. Make your own art at the "Make & Take" workshops sponsored by the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University.

• 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 12
• Center Street, Lewiston

Sponsored by Modern Corporation, Tin Pan Alley and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.

"Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall"

Caitlin and the Jamie Moses Band will perform at the LCA's last free concert of the season.

• 7 until 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27
• In the Hennepin Park Gazebo, corner of South Fourth and Center streets, Lewiston

Marble Orchard Ghost Walks

Take a walk on the dark side to explore the grim and ghastly deeds of Lewiston's best ... and worst. Hear local ghost stories, myths, and tales of tragedy, crime, murder and mystery. Step back in time with this historical and educational tour as the offbeat, theatrical guides take you through the historic section of the village and into the cemetery. They'll provide you with an eerie, yet fun-filled adventure as you learn about graveyard etiquette, tombstone symbols, and the people buried within.

Rain or shine. Bring a flashlight.

• $12 adults; $10 LCA members; $6 children under age 12
• Saturdays, Sept. 1 to Oct. 27
• Gather at the Lewiston Courtyard at 7 p.m.  (476 Center St.).

Tuscarora Bead Work Exhibit

The social history of the Tuscarora and Six Nations people in the Niagara region is illustrated through samples of traditional beadwork. The exhibit will include samples of Tuscarora raised beadwork from 1812 until the present, with narrative to provide historical perspective to the evolution of this traditional art form.

• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, November
• Tuscarora & Friends Gallery, 736 Center St.

FrameWorks

An exhibit and sale to benefit the historic Lewiston Opera Hall.

Created by artists and crafters, the recycled window frames have taken on the personalities of their creators.

For information on creating a window, call the LCA at 716-754-0166.

• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, December
• Tuscarora & Friends Gallery, 736 Center St.