Scranton’s Pine Brook neighborhood hosts first free family arts festival on April 30
From a press release:
Promising a “fun-filled day of art, theatre, and education,” United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department will present the first Pine Brook Family Arts Festival in the Scranton neighborhood, taking place outside John Adams Elementary School on Saturday, April 30.
Running from noon-4 p.m. on the school’s playground (927 Capouse Ave., Scranton), the festival will feature local artists and organizations providing family-friendly arts projects, along with art and cultural experiences. This new event is part of UNC’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
Planned art activities include canvas painting projects, jewelry and button making, balloon animal sculptures, axe throwing for kids, music, dance performances, a drum circle, and tote bag stamping. Organizations are providing photo booths, jumbo table games, a sensory tent, and more. Food vendors will include Antonio’s Pizza, El Buen Amigo, and Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe, among others.
The University of Scranton is sponsoring a kids’ painting project and free ice cream for children (while supplies last). The Scranton Fringe Festival will present a performance of “Stone Soup” by the Farm Arts Collective.
Other participating businesses and community partners include Scranton Preparatory School, Center for Independent Living, Lettieri Auction & Appraisals, Black Scranton Project, Electric City Axe Throwing, On&On, Johnson College, and many more.
Admission is free to the public, and free parking is available in the Junior Lot at Scranton Prep on Ash Street. A rain date is set for Saturday, May 7 from noon-4 p.m.
“This event was a joy to put together for the neighborhood; the support from local artists and businesses has been astonishing,” Pine Brook Project Manager Holly Yorkonis said.
“Being able to bring diverse art to the neighborhood, giving local residents access to art and education, will make a collective positive impact on the community as a whole.”
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assessing and meeting the needs of low-income families, youth, and senior citizens in NEPA.
Since 1923, the agency has embraced its mission to work together with neighbors to provide services and create opportunities that empower individuals and build strong interdependent communities. The agency accomplishes this mission through six programmatic departments (Community Services, Child Care, Youth Programs, Active Older Adult Programs, Community Education & Revitalization, and Community Health) and a Housing/Community Development Corporation. Through this diverse programming, UNC uses an innovative wrap-around approach to address the emerging needs of the community it serves.
Photo by Rich Howells/NEPA Scene, artwork by Mike Trovato
