Part 2: MWPAI 2012 Arts Festival runs through the 4th of July
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: June 29, 2012
Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute in Utica has officially kicked off its 2012 arts festival.
There was live music, beautiful sidewalk art, mural paintings and much more and it was a free event.
The 2012 Arts Festival at Munson Williams kicked off this morning. And if you missed it Friday tonight, it's not over just yet.
"We are proud to be a part of this community. We want to give to the community and this is a great way to do it," said Joe Schmidt, a representative at Munson Williams.
If you happen to drive by on Genesee Street for the next six days you probably won't miss it. It's the 2012 Arts Festival at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute.
People from all ages and various parts of Central New York came out Friday evening not just look at any artwork. But, "it's local talent. Which is nice because it's good to see that there is a lot of people here with talent," said Melanie Lett, a Marcy resident.
Lett says she is an artist herself. And although she didn't get her artwork in this year, she says it's nice to take the time to appreciate other works of art. "Especially the work done by high school students is incredible. I like to see young people and they have really nice work here," said Lett.
Munson Williams says the arts festival is also an event for children to take part in. Coralista Ruge and her sister say it's their first time here and they're enjoying the pretty paintings. "I don't know very much but it's beautiful and stuff," said Ruge.
Attendees can also take part in voting for their favorite art work. Sylvie Christensen from Frankfort says she plans on attending every night.
She says she's going to come by a few more times until she ends up voting for her favorite piece.
"It's very special. I think to have community exposure of local artists is just a special thing to have. I don't know how many communities have this sort of thing," said Christensen.
The Arts Festival will be running through the 4th of July. It's free and starts at 10 in the morning and wraps at nine in the evening. This event isn't just featuring art work but also antique cars as well.
