Valley Festival of Arts promises 'amazing cultural experience'

PALMER -- The Colony Middle School Music Boosters are making an effort to bridge generational boundaries with their upcoming Valley Festival of Arts.

"We're really bringing people together of all ages for the arts," said Shelley Hughes, organizer of the event. "It'll be a pretty amazing cultural experience."

The organizers of the event believe that it is important for students to explore various forms of the arts as part of their education and development. They also hope that this festival will encourage wider attention to the arts in the greater area.

"Maybe someday, some students -- because of this inspiration -- will go on to share their talents beyond the borders of the Valley," Hughes said.

Unlike many art shows, the festival will not be a sit-down event with sequential performers, but rather a type of arts showcase, with visitors going to and from events as they please. Roughly four to eight events will be occurring simultaneously at any given time, so visitors will have plenty to choose from.

Among the performers featured at the festival will be Douglas Girard Original Art, Just Playin' Jazz, Burchell Dancers, Sweet Adelines, and students from schools around the Valley. The exhibits featured at the festival will span all artistic media, mingling visual arts, drama and music. Professionals, amateurs and students of all ages are expected to participate.

Also included will be Naomi and Joel Stamoolis, an oboe and bass duet from the Anchorage Orchestra, David Meyers, a Colony graduate and pianist, and the Borealis Dancers. Melody Mann from Colony High's art program will conduct hands-on art activities for visitors to participate in as well.

The Valley Festival of Arts will be held Feb. 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Colony Middle School. Tickets are $3 for individuals or $10 per family.