New York excursion planned for art lovers

May 11, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Louis Zona, director of the Butler Institute of American Art, will lead an art tour of New York City Sept. 24-28.

A highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Nanette Lepore fashion studio, conducted by Lepore and her husband, Bob Savage. The Youngstown natives head one of the most successful fashion companies in the country. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry from design to manufacturing, and a showing of the collection.

Also scheduled will be a visit to the newly redesigned Museum of Modern Art to view the exhibition, “Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night.” This exhibition showcases thematic works by the post-impressionist master that were drawn from international collections, many of which have never before been seen together.

Designed exclusively for the Butler Institute by Burger Travel of Youngstown, the tour will also include a walk through the art gallery world of Chelsea and visits to New York artists’ studios.

For reservations and/or a complete itinerary, call (330) 744-5035.

Family fishing day at Yellow Creek

STRUTHERS — Mill Creek MetroParks will hold “Hooked on Fishing: An Angler’s Escape” at Yellow Creek Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Children are encouraged to bring their favorite pole and bait. Games, competitions, prizes and giveaways will be part of the family day on the banks of Yellow Creek.

For more information on this rain or shine event, call (330) 740-7106.

Hoyt Institute plans annual wine festival

NEW CASTLE, Pa. —The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, 124 E Leasure Ave., will hold its annual Wine Festival Saturday. This year’s event will feature 12 of California’s finest vintages.

The event will also feature a silent auction of wine, art and entertainment baskets contributed by local vendors.

The event, which raises funds for the museum’s public programming, will include a raffle for a trip for two to the Napa Valley and for an original watercolor by artist Thomas G. McNickle.

Tickets for the painting are $10 each, or 3 for $25. Tickets for the Napa Valley trip — including transportation, accommodations, wine tours, and lunch on the wine train — are $100 with a 1-in-40 chance to win.

Music for the Wine Festival will be provided by Neon Swing X-perience. A vodka bar, a gourmet crepe station and an assortment of fine foods and desserts.

Tickets for the event are $85 ($75 for Hoyt members). Call (724) 652-2882. Reservation deadline is Wednesday.

‘Wicked’ tickets go on sale Saturday

PITTSBURGH – The hit musical “Wicked” will return to Benedum Center Sept. 3-Oct. 5. Tickets are $29.50 to $79.50 and go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave.

Tickets will be available online at wicked-pgharts.org, and by phone at (412) 456-4800.

Based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked,” winner of one Grammy and three Tony awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz.

Bluegrass festival

WARREN — The second annual Cruise to the Summit bluegrass festival will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The family event includes a full schedule of bands, as well as food and refreshments, carnival games, classic and antique cars, and a Chinese auction. Summit Academy is located at 2106 Arbor Ave S.E. Call (330) 369-4233 for more information.