ALL TOGETHER NOW: “In Unison” Art Show at Touchstone Theatre

“[With this show] we can speak as an artist community through a shared voice, visually through our art.” Loly Reynolds, Director of Community Artists of Bethlehem

We’re getting to the time of year when Bethlehem’s First Fridays are really good. Nice weather means more people, and First Fridays are definitely a “the more the merrier” monthly event.

Kicking off March and what we can all hope is the start of more consistent sunshine is a great show put together by the Community Artists of Bethlehem (CAB). In Unison came to fruition when the folks of CAB and Touchstone Theatre realized their creative brains and resources should merge together. When CAB put out a call to interested artists, the response was large enough that the show now boasts more than three times as many artists as were initially considered.

Loly Reynolds, CAB Director, found inspiration in the pages of a book – the Red Tent by Anita Diamant:

“They sang the words in unison, yet somehow created a web of sounds with their voices. It was like hearing a piece of fabric woven with all the colors of a rainbow. I did not know that such beauty could be formed by the human mouth. I had never heard harmony before.”

Mixed media by Jessica Hoffman

Art will run the gamut from paintings and photography to mixed media and wire sculpture. “You can expect to see pieces that range from extremely disciplined to those that are a bit fringier”, Loly says.

CAB is a grassroots organization that you’ve likely seen at almost all of Bethlehem’s festivals. Loly explains, “The purpose of CAB is to encourage communication between area artists and widen their network to promote exposure to their work and create a positive cultural impact on our wonderful city. Many of these artists are active in the arts community through Blogs, Drink and Draw’s at The Brew Works, local businesses, as well as Lehigh and Moravian graduates”.

This is a FREE event – come enjoy art, friends, food and drink and live music from Jim Thorpe bluegrass band Free Range Folk. (This is exactly the kind of music I’ve really been into in the past year – check them out HERE. They have a song about blueberries! YES!)

INFORMATION:

• Friday, March 4 2011
• In Unison is at Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. 4th Street Bethlehem (Southside)
• !!! FREE ADMISSION!!!
• They will serve light refreshments (including wine!)
• Art can be purchased at this event
• 6pm-10pm
• Live music performed by Free Range Folk (bluegrass)
• CAB’S Facebook Page

*GAS EXPLOSION DONATIONS ACCEPTED! “We are accepting donations to deliver to The Red Cross for relief for the 13th street Gas Explosion victims. Also, we will be collecting, dry goods, clothing, and gift cards for their relief. Please be so kind as to help us in this effort!”

SOUND THE ALARMS!: Spring on 4th, Who’s on 3rd? and the 5 Alarm Arts Fair

It is truly a great week to live in the Valley! After the tattoo convention on Friday night, get up and get over to South Side Bethlehem for street shows, bikers in high heels, chili sampling and sidewalk sales. And let’s not forget all of the vendors of the 5 Alarm Arts Fair selling their goodies.

Spring on Fourth! Who’s on Third? is a FREE and family-friendly event is packed full of people to see, businesses to patron and food to stuff into your belly. the Bethlehem Bike Co-op will be hosting “Heels on Wheels”, sassy ladies dressed up extra-glam riding their bikes all over Bethlehem to raise awareness for better bike parking and lanes in the city. Hopefully you’ll be in your dancin’ shoes for the Community Dance Party.

The Banana Factory is hosting an Arts Block Party with lots of artsy demonstrations and fun, watch hula-hooping street shows, and shop the many stores that will be holding sidewalk sales! Be sure to bring some used clothing you no longer wear (in good condition) to Homebase Skateshop and they’ll give you 1% off for every donated item they take in (up to 20% off!) so you can get something new in the shop. More info HERE. Also check out the skateboarding demonstration in the street!

Save some room in your stomachs for the Chili Cook-off. From Noon-2pm, local eateries prepare their best chili recipes for sampling. One Dollar gets you three chili samples from the cook of your choice! Over 30 kinds to choose from, including some veggie-friendly chilis from Blue Sky Cafe and (probably) Wildflower Cafe.

And Lehigh’s campus square will be home to the 5 Alarm Arts Fair. The Community Artists of Bethlehem will again host this Arts Fair for it’s second year. CAB representative  and designer of fancy hair accessories Loly Reynolds spoke to us about the Arts Fair.

READ the INTERVIEW and get even more excited!