SOLSTICE ARTS FESTIVAL
Alberni Valley - June 17th-19th, 2016
Feel the spark of creative inspiration and child-like delight you feel at the vibrant colours. Embrace the chance to get a little bit messy. Hear the reverberation of outdoor troubadours sharing their storied melodies. Express the deep belly laugh and genuine tear at fringe-style theatrical spectacle. Come join us in the celebration of sunkissed-summer days, unabashedly imaginative expression, and lovingly handcrafted creations. Let’s shut down the street and dance the night away.
Port Alberni is about to get a brand new Annual Arts Festival to celebrate the start of summer. The Solstice Arts Festival will take place in Port Alberni’s Arts District over three days, June 17 to 19, 2016.
The Solstice Arts Festival brings four Alberni Valley Festivals together under one umbrella for an unforgettable weekend of art exhibits, music, theatrical performances and street entertainment fun for the whole family. Seed funding for the Festival was distributed by the Rotary Arts District Grant program amongst four groups. The Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley (“Days with the Arts”) spearheaded the Festival, joined by Portal Players Dramatic Society (Improv/music), the Alberni Art Rave Society (“Art Rave”) and the Art Matters Society (“Festival of Artistic Creative Expression”= F.A.C.E.) in bringing this new community event to the Rotary Arts District. The principal objective of the Solstice Arts Festival is to encourage excellence in all forms of arts and crafts, and to assist in the promotion and sale of quality work, celebrating ARTS, CRAFTS and MUSIC.
Rollin Art Centre will be the kick-off venue for a reception for an art exhibit on Friday night, June 17, 5-8 pm. This reception and group art show showcasing local artists will be hosted by Alberni Art Rave. There will also be a vendor’s showcase of Artisans and Artists in the Rollin Gardens, with entertainment on the Gazebo at different times throughout the weekend.
On deck at The Capitol Theatre during the Solstice Arts Festival will be entertainment in the fringe-style, brought in by the Art Matters Society, including Cougar Annie, the Mad Hatter, and William Vs the World. Portal Players will also feature various performances, including Mike and the Rockin’ Recliners on Friday evening, and late-night Improv on Saturday.
Argyle Street will be closed between 4th and 5th Avenues on June 18th and 19th to showcase Art Rave's presentation of Art On The Street. It will offer artists of all ages and stages a chance to express their creativity. There'll be some theatre from Art Matters and outside of Char's Landing, a music stage running all weekend highlighted by a street dance on Saturday night.
Entry to Rollin Gallery/Grounds and Capitol Theatre all venues and activities will be by wristband, which will be available to purchase soon. Wristbands will sell for $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students. A discounted family wristband purchase is available for two adults and two students/seniors at only $50. Children 12 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult wristband holder. This is an outstanding value at these prices for the entertainment offered over the three day Festival. TICKETS NOW ON SALE at the Rollin Art Centre.