The University of Central Arkansas continues to be a part of ArtsFest, Conway’s yearly celebration of music, visual art, theatre, dance, creative writing and film, which will take place for one fun-filled day, Saturday, Oct. 7.
This is the 11th year that Conway Alliance for the Arts (CAFTA) has organized the family-friendly ArtsFest. The 2017 theme is “A Splash Of Color.”
All events are free and open to the public.
“We are excited to host the 11th Annual Conway ArtsFest,” said Jim Wiltgen, chair of ArtsFest 2017. “The festival is possible thanks to the amazing arts organizations we have in our community. This year we are excited to welcome the Conway Elementary School Choirs to the Kris Allen Stage for our Art in the Park event. We have also expanded our evening event (ARToberfest) to include more community artists and vendors and the second annual Neighbors Artshow at Kings.”
Downtown Simon Park will be filled with colorful activities during the day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Kris Allen Stage will be host to UCA musical groups, Conway Public Schools music groups and community theatre groups.
The Kris Allen Stage schedule includes:
- 10 a.m. — Hendrix College Dance
- 10:30 a.m. — Blackbird Academy of the Arts
- 11-11:45 a.m. — Conway Elementary Choirs
- 12-12:30 p.m. — Preston Palmer Studios
- 12:30-1p.m. — Conway Symphony Orchestra Brass
- 1-1:30 p.m. — C.J.’s Cloggers
- 1:30-2 p.m. — Youth Theatre of Central Arkansas
In addition, the Faulkner County Library will host its fifth annual Author Fair on Oct. 7 from 1-4 p.m. This fair celebrates the art of the writer and the talent to be found in Central Arkansas. Authors from many different genres will be featured, and books will be available for purchase.
At 3 p.m., the Conway Composer’s Guild will present an ArtsFest Concert at First United Methodist Church, 1600 Prince St. The Composer’s Guild is made up of music faculty and students from UCA and Hendrix.
In conjunction with ArtsFest, Hendrix will host several events for Family Weekend, including an 8 p.m. Coffee House Musical Showcase.
Beginning at 5 p.m., the fun continues down Front Street near Kings Live Music. Look for more colorful music, art vendors and street artists. The Brick Room will host a juried art exhibit.
For more information, a full schedule of events, information about an Art Vendor booth or volunteer opportunities, visit www.artsinconway.org or contact Wiltgen at conwayartsfest@gmail.com
ArtsFest is planned and presented by the Conway Alliance for the Arts (CAFTA), its board of directors and community volunteers, including UCA Outreach & Community Engagement. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConwayArtsFest
The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Departments of Art, Music, and Film, Theatre and Creative Writing as well as the School of Communication. The college’s primary mission is the preparation of the next generation of artists, educators and communicators. For more information about CFAC, visit www.uca.edu/cfac or call 501-450-3293.
