Arts festival seeks artists, volunteers, performers

YOUNGSTOWN — The Summer Festival of the Arts, scheduled for July 12 and 13 at Youngstown State University, is seeking artists, performers and volunteers.

“We are encouraging local artists to apply to the Artists’ Marketplace, the juried arts aspect of the festival, because it makes good economic sense for them to sell their artwork at a show close to home,” said Lori A. Factor, assistant director of YSU’s Performing Arts Series. “The application and booth fees are affordable so that an artist should be able to have a successful experience.”

Last year’s show attracted more than 60 artists featuring a variety of artwork.

Bands and musicians are also invited to apply for one of the eight available slots for performances at the festival’s Open Stage. Those selected will perform one 45-minute set in exchange for inclusion in the overall Summer Festival of the Arts print and Web performance schedule. Music must be suitable for an outdoor event where children and families will be close by, although the music need not be geared toward those audiences. These performance times are dedicated to groups just starting out. Performers will not be paid, but they will be permitted to sell CDs.

Factor noted that such a large event would be impossible without a strong corps of volunteers, who are needed for artist registration, information booths, in the children’s hands-on art tent, for technical assistance at performance sites and at the Festival of Nations international area. Various shifts are available for the two-day event. Each volunteer receives a festival T-shirt, cold water and reserved free parking.

“The Mahoning Valley is a wonderfully hospitable place and our volunteers characterize those traits when they assist visitors and residents alike,” said Factor.

Application for artists, open stage performers and volunteers are all at the summer festival Web site, www.ysu.edu/sfa or by calling (330) 941-2307.