May 19 – Westside ArtWalk Kickoff Party
For more information, contact:
Josh Addison at (805) 746-2818, josh@bellartsfactory.org
Marie Lakin at (805) 794-7670, MLakin1@pacbell.net
Aerialist Troupe Bringing Magic to Westside ArtWalk Fundraiser May 19
All-New Citizens-Run Arts Event to Debut July 23-24
The creative aerial theater company AiRealistic will perform at a fundraiser scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Jonathan’s at Peirano’s, 204 E. Main Street Ventura, from 5-10 p.m. The party will celebrate the all-new Westside ArtWalk, an arts event shaping up to be a highlight of the summer.
The Westside ArtWalk, scheduled for the weekend of July 23-24, 2011 is being planned by an all-volunteer group of citizens who took over the popular free showcase from the City of Ventura when budget cuts necessitated the elimination of many programs.
“ArtWalk is a signature event for Ventura which attracts a great deal of excitement every year,” said Josh Addison, founder of the Bell Arts Factory and chair of the Westside ArtWalk Committee. “We weren’t about to let the momentum die. Instead we formed a creative team which is invigorating the event with new ideas.”
Past ArtWalks have been concentrated primarily Downtown in the retail area. The new event will feature established galleries and art spaces west of Seaward Avenue, as well as new spaces created entirely for the event, highlighting a wide range of talented professionals from all over the region. Each venue will provide a unique experience for art lovers. A map will guide visitors.
The May 19 kickoff party is designed to raise operating funds for the event. The $50 ticket price includes food and entertainment. A live auction of selected art works is also planned. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online by going to http://westsideartwalk2011-auto.eventbrite.com/ or by calling (805) 794-7670.
The centerpiece of the fundraiser will be a performance by AiRealistic, a troupe of aerial performers who have worked with Cirque du Soleil and in other top-notch productions around the world. Their artistry includes a signature rigging system which makes performers appear to float through the air.
AiRealistic recently opened a teaching facility at 5600 Everglades St. Ste C. in Ventura. For more information, go to their website at www.airealistic.com
For more information about the Westside ArtWalk, go to www.westsideartwalk.org, send an email to info@westsideartwalk.org or call (805) 794-7670.
