Summer Festival of the Arts enhances area's quality of life

That more Americans view or participate in the arts than they do sports will be demonstrated today and tomorrow at the Summer Festival of the Arts on the Youngstown State University campus. Visitors to the free -- except for the "Fort & eacute; on the 50" -- event can enjoy all the performing and fine arts, savor international foods and ethnic performances, attend a film festival and find hands-on activities for their children. The arts festival is an occasion worth attending and celebrating.
Sponsored by YSU and the Arts Council of Youngstown and Mahoning County, the YSU Summer Festival of the Arts promotes community partnerships and the diversity of the region through a celebration of the arts. In recognition of the festival's growth since its inception as the "Walk on Wick," Wick Avenue will be closed during the hours the festival is open, permitting attendees to wander freely among the museums, the libraries and churches that will also be sponsoring special events as part of the festival.
Culture
Art, music and dance have played an important role in human culture for thousands of years and are perhaps even more significant today when our limited leisure time is so greatly valued. What's more, the arts enrich our understanding of others when there is a growing need to bridge the gap between people of different backgrounds.
This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to expand cultural horizons and have a splendid time doing so.