We are currently having the Main Street Art District’s “Arts Fest” in downtown Wilkes-Barre, and we encourage readers to visit the non-profit’s Facebook page and click on events to see the list of activities and consider participating.
Here’s what’s scheduled, with a bit of extra information:
Thursday, April 4:
Young Artists on Canvas. Artworks by students of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District Creative And Performing Arts Academy at Circle Centre for the Arts, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This isn’t just an opportunity to see the work of some local young artist, it’s a good reason to see the Circle Center building itself, with a distinctively round display area. Located at rear 130 S. Franklin St., it may help to know it abuts the short Folsom Lane between Franklin and South Main.
Later the same day, there’s a second chance to visit the historic building (more than 100 years old, the previous home for the Luzerne County Medical Society). The Marko Marcinko Jazz Combo will perform at Circle Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’s a bonus: If you’ve never heard of the Wyoming Valley At League, the Circle Center is their home.
Friday, April 5:
Gala of the Arts at the Sordoni Art Gallery. Part of Wilkes-University, the Sordoni Art Gallery is another frequently overlooked gem in the Diamond City, at 141 S. Main St. While Wilkes took some undeserved criticism when it decided to sell off some of the Sordoni’s collection, the bigger change at the time was relocation to this more visible site and an expansion of exhibit space. If you’ve never been there, think about stopping by Friday — and start keeping tabs on the different exhibits throughout the year.
Saturday, May 11:
Saturday, April 6, had been planned as a sort of culmination, but weather has prompted rescheduling of the two outdoor events to May 11. The activities remain the same — a Young Run for Fun, from Public Square to Northampton Street, 10 a.m. That’s just one long-ish block, making this suitable for almost any age — which is the idea. This is meant to be family friendly, easy enough to run, walk or even push a stroller. There’s a fee: $15 for adults and $10 for children, with ages 2 and younger entering for free. A T-shirt will be included in the entry fee for children.
The other draw, starting at the same time, is the Arts Fest Block Party, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on South Main between South Street and Northampton Street (put them together and you end up running/walking to the block party). Plans include live bands, food trucks, craft vendors and children’s entertainment.
As noted, this is new celebration of local arts is already underway. It launched on Tuesday with a staging of “The Dot Musical!” at the F.M. Kirby Center. Wednesday had “Inspired Bites,” a pop-up lunch series at the Sordoni Art Gallery. The whole thing is a team effort involving the hosting institutions, the city, the Diamond City partnership, and the newest Building Blocks Learning Center on South Main, which will have a ribbon cutting Saturday. Building Blocks president and CEO Zubeen Saeed arranged the musical at the Kirby Center.
All of this helps show the many art opportunities in downtown Wilkes-Barre, a lot of them within a two-block area (which includes Marquis Art & Frame, a business with a second floor art gallery). And there’s more close by, like the Widmann Art Gallery at King’s College.
Hopefully, this could become a yearly event that is more closely connected to the annual Fine Arts Fiesta on Public Square — a well-respected event that has long deserved more room.
