BATAVIA — The arrival of March 1 on the calendar also brings “Arts Awareness Month" to Genesee and Orleans counties.
The Genesee-Orleans Arts Council celebrates the month each March in an effort to raise community awareness of the scope and diversity of arts and cultural programming that takes place in our communities.
Throughout March — this is the 14th commemoration — local cultural organizations, artists, schools and businesses are presenting more than 50 programs and exhibits. They includes gallery exhibitions such as GO ART!’s first members exhibit that is on view in the Bank of Castile Main Gallery at the GO ART! Cultural Center, 201 East Main St., theatrical productions and concerts, and hands-on programs such as a jewelry-making class scheduled next Thursday at Woodward Memorial Library.
Arts Awareness month calendars with a full schedule are available at local libraries, GO ART! galleries in both counties and online at www.artsawarenessmonth.com. A schedule can also be downloaded by clicking the .pdf in "Related Documents" at left.
Arts Awareness Month was started in 1999 by GO ART!. The original concept was to highlight the various events and exhibits already taking place — such as school concerts, exhibits and plays — during a time period that is traditionally not perceived as having many cultural happenings.
The effort has evolved over the years in response to changing community cultural needs and offerings, said GO ART! Executive Director Kelly Kiebala, and seems to have developed into an anticipated project that continues to assist in promoting the diverse talent and programs available in our own backyard.
This year, Genesee Community College is piggybacking on the campaign, with special programs of its own. Professional artists will present workshops on March 27, and on March 29 playwright Jeffrey Sweet will present a workshop and performance of his “You Only Shoot the Ones You Love.”
“This is our opportunity to celebrate the arts here at GCC,” said Moi Dugan, assistant professor of ceramics and 3-dimensional design. "We encourage everyone with an interest in learning about a new technique or experiencing a new art form, to come out to GCC."
In addition, GO ART! is hosting its annual Decentralization Regrant Awards Ceremony on March 9th, the kick-off for its 2012 Salon Series on March 31st, the first annual GO ART! Members Exhibition, first annual Digital Art Show and numerous special exhibits by local artists in area libraries. Contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313, email info@goart.org or visit www.artsawarenessmonth.com for more information.
