'Taste of the Arts': A 60th anniversary celebration of Young Audiences of WNY

An evening of art, food, drinks & community

Young Audiences of WNY is commemorating its 60th anniversary in the Western New York region with a weeklong celebration culminating in the “Taste of the Arts,” an evening of art, food, drinks and community. This celebration coincides with National Young Audiences Week, which celebrates the significant contribution of cultural education of children throughout the U.S.

To coincide with school break week, April 9-14, Young Audiences of WNY will host free daily programming from 1-2 p.m. at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in the Ring of Knowledge. The schedule of events is as follows: 

√ Saturday, April 9: Doug Rougeux, “Bubble Man”

√ Monday, April 11: Courtney Haeick, chalk art

√ Tuesday, April 12: Kristin Brandt, “Design Yourself”

√ Wednesday, April 13: Cassandra Argeros, “Recycle, Reuse & Reimagine”

√ Thursday, April 14: Cynthia Vogel, “Flow Science”

The celebration of arts education continues from 5:30-8:30 p.m. April 14 in The Atrium of 500 Seneca with the “Taste of the Arts.” 

A press release said, “This in-person celebration is not only a look back at Young Audiences of WNY over the past 60 years, where they have provided arts education to over 3 million local students, but a look ahead at what is in store for the organization in the coming years!”

“Taste of the Arts” will feature several art stations, where guests can participate in a variety of art activities, led by Young Audiences of WNY teaching artists. Art stations will include:

√ Painting with Kristin Brandt: Learn color mixing and new techniques while painting a work of art on a canvas to take home.

√ Caricatures with Jeremy Stock: Sit down and get a caricature portrait.

√ VR games with Alex Fernandez of VR Buffalo: Escape to another reality with VR games and tricks.

√ Dance and dandiyas with Gairie Subryan of Devi Bollywood: Learn Indian dance styles and create a dandiya.

√ Button making and screen printing with the WNY Book Arts Center: Design buttons and screenprint a “Taste of the Arts” canvas tote bag.

Other activities at “Taste of the Arts” include entertainment by DJ Jett, a gift card pull, and a photo booth. Guests can also win a variety of prizes included in themed raffle baskets: “Date Night,” “Treat Yourself,” “Buffalo Sports,” “Family Entertainment” and “Party Cooler.”

Tickets will also include food by Fat Bob’s Smokehouse. Sip and sample different beers from Community Beer Works and Flying Bison Brewing Co.

Organizers said, “This fundraising event is critical to ensure the mission of Young Audiences of WNY is fulfilled every day. Proceeds will directly contribute towards the professional roster of teaching artists who will develop and deliver creative learning opportunities to more than 60,000 youth and families in all eight counties of WNY. Over 85% of our programming is offered free to the community because of fundraising events like ‘Taste of the Arts.’ The COVID-19 pandemic has hindered the possibility of in-person fundraisers the last two years, so everyone is invited to join in this celebration of community, art and education!”

Click here for more information and tickets.