June 10
SaratogaArtsFest 2009 will officially raise the curtain for its citywide celebration
of the arts with a ?Prelude? event backstage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center,
Wednesday, June 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will kick off a four-day festival,
June 11-14, that will offer nearly 100 events at venues throughout Saratoga Springs,
including performances on the Skidmore campus.
Prelude will feature wine tasting from a varied selection representing more than
25 wineries, presented by Putnam Wine, and hors d?oeuvres and desserts, provided by
Putnam Market. In addition, local artists will be on hand to display and sell their
original works.
Proceeds from Prelude will provide support for SaratogaArtsFest partner organizations
in the arts.
?We are pleased to be able to provide financial support to arts organizations in
our area that play such a crucial role in establishing Saratoga as an arts destination.
We are impressed with the programming that these groups are providing for SaratogaArtsFest
and what they bring to our community year round,? said Marie Glotzbach, president
of the SaratogaArtsFest board of directors. ?The ArtsFest is truly the product of
a community collaboration, and we want to build upon and strengthen that synergy.?
While at the event, Prelude attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the ARTSPASS
Admission Package for $25 (a $5 discount). In addition to providing access to the
full range of SaratogaArtsFest events, the ARTSPASS offers discounts and perks at
area shops and eateries during the festival, as well as year-round benefits at area
galleries, theaters, and museums.
Honorary chairpersons of the event are Saratoga Springs residents Jerry and Marcia
MacDonald, known for their support of the arts in Saratoga Springs and the Capital
Region. ?The arts serve to round out the total picture of Saratoga Springs,? said
Jerry MacDonald. ?The city is well known for horse racing, as it should be, but the
strong presence of the arts adds another dimension that is increasingly important
to our success.?
The Prelude organizers are hoping that the event location?backstage at SPAC?will
have a special draw. ?It?s a unique venue that will allow the public a rare opportunity
to view what the performers see as they get ready to come on stage at this venerable
performance space,? said Prelude coordinator Margie Stribley. ?The event will offer
a true behind-the-scenes look at the arts world.?
Admission to the Prelude is $50 per person. For more information on SaratogaArtsFest
and to purchase Prelude tickets visit www.saratogartsfest.org.
Major sponsors of SaratogaArtsFest include Adirondack Trust Company, CDTA, Designsmith
Studio, Interactive Media Consulting, Quad Graphics, Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs,
Skidmore College, Star 101.3, Stewart's Shops, TheSaratogaLife.com, the Times Union,
and WAMC Northeast Public Radio.