SaratogaArtsFest draws enthusiastic crowds

The popular summer arts scene of Saratoga Springs started with a bang as SaratogaArtsFest 2010 rippled through the city Thursday-Sunday, June 10-13. The fourth annual citywide festival of the arts offered more than 75 events spanning music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art. Undaunted by the rainy weather, hundreds of participants flocked to venues throughout the city.

See the photo gallery for details.

This year's line-up included the acclaimed Jos Limon Dance Company, jazz trumpeter Brandon Lee, pianist and jazz sideman Warren Bernhardt, the celebrated composer Richard Danielpour, Carnegie Hall's Ensemble ACJW, and fiction writer Alix Ohlin. These performances were mixed in with dozens of events and activities for a wide range of audiences - from the seasoned arts aficionado to families with young children.

In addition to nationally known artists, SaratogaArtsFest celebrated the talent of local artists, from those with established reputations to budding performers from nearby schools.

New this year

SaratogaArtsFest 2010 offered some fresh approaches designed to bring the arts together- and to bring the arts to the public? in new and creative ways.

Working Artist Studio Walk  - On these self-guided tours, participants had the opportunity to watch as painters, weavers, potters, and sculptors brought their creations to life. These open sessions took place at 20 studio locations throughout the city.

Center Stage  - This feature offered ongoing programming on Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Saturday evening at a central downtown location. Music performances by local groups were complemented by musical storytelling, family dance activities, and more.

Family Day - On Sunday at Skidmore College, events for families included the Saratoga Children's Theatre, the Amazing Kids Circus, art activities at the Tang Museum, guided nature walks, and musical performances. The afternoon included an open house at Skidmore's new Arthur Zankel Music Center.

Music and Motion - This dance and music collaboration featured the music of composer Richard Danielpour and the choreography of Skidmore professors Debra Fernandez and Ruben Graciani.

Opening the Box - A high-powered panel of artists and art experts explored - Cross-Genre Collaboration in Today's Art Scene.

The Saratoga Sculpture Project  - Both indoor and outdoor sculptures were showcased at a variety of locations throughout the city, with the artworks selected specifically for each venue.

Sponsors

Major sponsors of SaratogaArtsFest 2010 included 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.

Now get ready for SaratogaArtsFest 2011, slated for June 9-12!