Thursday, July 24, 2008

Youngstown Rocks the Arts

By Katie Libecco

YOUNGSTOWN – Art Youngstown Inc. co-founder Robert Dubec says he hopes this Saturday's Youngstown Rocks the Arts & Music Festival is "the first of many annual festivals."

According to a press release, the family-friendly festival will include artists at work, indie films, beer-tasting, tattoo and piercing artists, fortune tellers, body art, food and tailgating before and after the af2 Thunder game at the Chevrolet Centre. There will also be activities for children.

Youngstown Rocks the Arts will be held rain or shine Saturday, July 26th, from 3 to 11 p.m. at the intersection of Front and Champion Streets, downtown.

Bands slated to perform Saturday include First in Space, Da Kreek, 5 Elements,, November Loop, Realtime Digimob, Starlight Darlings, Mr. Kyle and Geo C and Tha Storm (as the closing act.)

Dubec says the festival's and the organization's primary goal is to promote area artists, with the organization's motto being, "Art for all."

The city of Youngstown and the Royal Oaks are sponsoring the event, with 20 artists showcasing and selling their work.

Dubec says the non-profit 501 (c) (3) will use any proceeds from the event (beyond expenses) to help the organization secure a gallery space in downtown Youngstown to promote area artists.

The organization began about one year ago and the inaugural exhibition was held in November 2007 — which, Dubec says, had an attendance of about 1,500.

"Each day we get a little bigger and better. Our latest feat will be this festival," he says.

The five-person organization is stilling looking to secure a permanent gallery. Dubec says, "We're still searching for a home-space and the money for a home-space." He says Art Youngstown is supported through volunteer efforts of the staff and community.

Dubec says Art Youngstown aims to be a place for people to come for their art and artists.

"We're here to help the community," he says.