Story: Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Draw two diagonals across the state of Pennsylvania. Where they cross is where you will find State College nestled in Happy Valley in Centre County. Depending on your route, the drive to the town follows the Susquehanna River or the Allegheny Mountains and might even just touch the Great Lakes. The drive will put you in aesthetic mode for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts held each year from Thursday through Sunday during the second week in July. Ordinarily known for the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and football frenzy in the Fall, State College is also famous for this arts festival, now entering its 42nd year, which includes arts and crafts exhibits, musical and theatrical events, and activities for people with special needs. Ordinarily a town of 40,000 residents and another 40,000 when the university is in session, well over 100,000 visitors come during festival season.

The arts and crafts stalls and performances are spread out over premises in both town and gown. Over 300 artists/craftsmen exhibit their work some of whom are invited while all others are pre-selected by a jury. The quality of design and execution is a pleasure to experience. Collage, printmaking and book-art; painting, drawing and sculpture; ceramics, woodwork and glass design are but a selection of the projects which are often museum quality. There are no mass produced products here. The performances likewise are professional. The informal jazz concerts, the marionettes and the singers are all light, entertaining and welcoming. Artists interact with visitors, explain their work and share their insight. I bought a photograph of an aerial view of Prague which allows me to fly over that city each day. The artist, Gary Seidel, shared with me the experience of photo-shooting from a low-flying airplane over a large city.

Wednesday, the day before the first day of the festival, is devoted to arts and crafts made and sold by children. Other children’s activities are planned for each day. Bring their bathing suits. They will enjoy the dumping buckets game. I can already hear them squeal as water falls on them. The Festival Eyes Program provides docents to help the visually impaired appreciate the art through verbal descriptions. The local Senior Center hosts an open house so older visitors can rest and refresh while they take a break from browsing.

The festival is always logistically well planned and well run contributing to the quality of the experience. The entire community infrastructure participates in making the days filled with activities, and the crowds manageable. Information booths help guide people, and extensive parking facilities on the town’s outskirts are linked to regular buses bringing visitors to the festival. Local businesses support the project, offering food and services. Free bottled spring water is available from a local water company. The event is policed by bicycling cops.

This is a festival for the discerning. So bring the family and plan to spend a satisfying day or maybe a few. Unlike many festivals where the locals temporarily leave to avoid the crowds, the residents mingle and enjoy the days with the visitors. Lots of people and lots of activity make the days festive in themselves. It is easiest to get to State College by car, but buses and airplanes are other options. Book your hotel or campsite early. This is a popular event. For more details visit http://www.arts-festival.com/