No one can ever say StArts Fest organizers lack work ethic. In fact, they probably burned the midnight oil judging by the quantity and quality of artistic disciplines packed into St. Albert Place this past weekend.
StArts Fest, a local version of the provincially mandated Alberta Arts Days, showcased a slew of artistic disciplines from painting, quilting, floral design, music, dance, pottery, poetry readings, literary talks and a theatre mini-fest.
There were art installations and exhibits, several film showcases and a dance workshop. Even chef Willie White from the River House Grill introduced a dash of creative kitchen flair with a cooking demo using organic greens at the St. Albert Farmers’ Market.
“We’re all on a high. It was definitely a very good week. We represented the arts community of St. Albert well and the community represented itself well,” said St. Albert Celebrates the Arts co-chair Peter Moloney.
On Saturday morning the newly formed St. Albert Theatre Arts Guild (SATAG) took control of the One-Act Play Festival, presenting eight original plays by local playwrights.
Although organizers were nervous about filling 80 seats in Progress Hall, the two-hour fest was standing room only. “We even had to turn people away,” said SATAG member Kelly Aisenstat.
Creating a fair hubbub of chatter was the unveiling of Daniel the Dragon, a stunning creation by local artists Julie Hage and Carol Rogozinsky. At last year’s arts festival, the duo collected 130 clay handprints and used them to build the dragon’s scaly body.
“I heard gasps and aahs and the little kids wanted to touch him right away. I think they were all thrilled. He is so whimsical and playful and they felt he had come to life,” Rogozinsky said.
Diversity was key at the Arden’s performing arts showcase highlighting jazz singer Martha Livingstone, rock singer Stephen Lecky, protest singer Quetzala Carson, folk singer Debbie Spence, pianist David Fraser and the St. Albert Ballet Academy.
While most of the festival was laced with froth and fun, Terminal Lowes, a one-hour educational play attracted about 200 theatregoers. Written by 2010 Paul Kane graduates Stephen Angove and Ashley Lynn, it highlighted the pain and suffering of those afflicted with Lowe Syndrome, prompting more than one person to dab their eyes with tissue.
While day activities drew solid crowds, Saturday evening at St. Albert Place dropped to less than 150 visitors. Despite low numbers and cool temperatures, Vibe Tribe ignited the evening with their blend of tribal belly dance and fire elements.
However, the Sunday evening sneak peak of the upcoming St. Albert Film Festival flopped with about 50 people in the Arden audience. “I expected more. I would have loved to see 200 people but the rain probably kept them away,” Moloney said.
“Our underlying message of the festival was not only to celebrate great art, but it was also about colouring outside the lines. It was a successful event. I’m sure there are ways it can be improved on, but we’ll be looking at that later.”
