June 9 "Prelude" to launch SaratogaArtsFest

The fourth annual SaratogaArtsFest will officially raise the curtain for its citywide celebration of the arts with a "Prelude" event at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, June 9, 6 to 10 p.m. 

The event will kick off ArtsFest 2010, which will offer more than 75 events at venues throughout Saratoga Springs, June 10-13. Skidmore College is a major sponsor of SaratogaArtsFest, and a number of the festival's events will take place on the Skidmore campus.

The Prelude event will be based on the theme of "Pop Art Warhol Style" and will draw its inspiration from Andy Warhol's New York City Factory, the artist's 1960s studio and storied hangout. Honorary chairpersons of the event are Ron and Michele Riggi. The event chairperson is Elizabeth Alexander.

"We chose a Warhol theme because it was youthful, fun, and unique and we wanted to show that the arts are accessible to all," said Alexander.

Prelude will feature a wine tasting and sale presented by Putnam Wine, as well as gourmet hors d'oeuvres and specialty cocktails. A percentage of the proceeds from the wine sales will be donated to arts partners of Saratoga ArtsFest.

Local artists will be on hand, including Frankie Flores, who will be painting on scene, and Heather Bohm-Tallman, who will display her photographs. In addition, Frank Adams Jewelers will present the Andy Warhol Collection, by Robert Lee Morris.

Entertainment will be provided by Garland Nelson and Soul Session, and by the Factory Dancers from Northeast Ballet. The evening will include a silent auction.

Admission to Prelude is $75 and can be purchased at www.SaratogaArtsFest.org. or at the SaratogaArtsFest Center and Gallery, 543 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (above Stockade Imports, across from the Saratoga Hilton). Profits from Prelude provide funding for programming grants to partner arts organizations.

"We are pleased to be able to provide financial support to arts organizations that play such a crucial role in establishing Saratoga as an arts destination. We are impressed with the programming that these groups present during SaratogaArtsFest and applaud what they bring to our community year round," said Marie Glotzbach, president of the SaratogaArtsFest board of directors.

While at the event, Prelude attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the ARTSPASS Admission Package at a 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 offered by ArtsFest partners at area galleries, theaters, museums, and concert halls.

For more information on SaratogaArtsFest visit www.SaratogaArtsFest.org.

Major sponsors of SaratogaArtsFest 2010 include Adirondack Trust Company, Advantage Press, CDTA, Designsmith Studio, Interactive Media Consulting, KeyBank Quad Graphics, Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, Skidmore College, CBS 6, Star 101.3 fm, TheSaratogaLife.com, the Times Union, and WAMC Northeast Public Radio.