By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
From May 4 to 12, St. David’s Episcopal Church on Jamar Drive in Fayetteville will host its 49th Celebration of the Arts.
Over 100 juried artists and performers from the Central New York area will showcase their work for this year’s celebration.
Presented by parishioners, the week-long event involves a thorough makeover of the church’s rooms and hallways into a gallery space.
Coordinator Wendy Flynn said this celebration will most likely be the church’s last.
“We wanted to get to 50, but I don’t think we’ll make it,” Flynn said. “I’m not going to guarantee anything.”
She attributed the potential end to a declining number of people available to host the galleries and fulfill necessary roles.
While the future is uncertain at this time, for nearly five decades the celebration has been an exciting celebration of the arts which has drawn participants and visitors to St. David’s year after year to enjoy the arts.
But no matter what comes to pass, the organizers have worked to make this year’s celebration a time filled with art, music and opportunities for guests to engage in hands on activities.
The galleries will be free to enter and open each day, except for May 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on May 10.
Syracuse University’s Orange Juice Jazz Combo, under the guidance of Dr. John Coggiola, will perform on May 5 at 6 p.m.
On May 6 and 7, a registration-required workshop called “Poetry as a Spiritual Practice” will take place.
The first day will be facilitated by author Gloria Heffernan, who currently instructs at Le Moyne College.
The second day will feature shared poetry readings inspired by a selection of the art pieces on exhibit.
A performance of the Arthur Laurents-penned musical “Anyone Can Whistle” has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on May 10 and 2 p.m. on May 12.
Donations will be welcomed.
“We love the celebration,” Flynn said. “It has been the backbone of our church for many years.”
