DUNKIRK, NY — For those looking to support local art, music and culture the Dunkirk Cultural District Music Festival is a great way to celebrate this summer. The second annual music festival will start on August 26 and run until the 28th. It will feature 9 local bands, food and will be fun for the whole family.

(Photo by Dusten Rader)

The festival will begin on Friday, August 26 with Cloud Called 9 taking the stage at 6:00 p.m. followed by Big Leg Emma at 8:00 p.m. Then on Saturday the live music will continue with Tommy Link at 2:00 p.m., East Clintwood at 4:00 p.m., Well Worn Boot at 6:00 p.m. and The Town Pants at 8:00 p.m. But, the fun wont stop until Sunday evening because at 2:00 p.m. Three Dollar Bill will play, with Raggedy to follow at 4:00 p.m. and La Krema to finish the event at 6:00 p.m.

The event will be located on the scenic grounds of the Dunkirk Lighthouse. It will be free and open to the public but donations will be accepted. The festival was planned by Julie and her husband Chris Schaeffer, President of Adam's Art Gallery.

“The Dunkirk Lighthouse told us that last year's festival was the biggest day for sales and tours of the year,” said Julie. “It was only a one day event but we had about 2000 people come throughout the course of the day. Because of the success we decided to make it three days and get more bands. I'm glad we're having it there again because the grounds are beautiful.”

According to Julie and Chris the festival was inspired by the Hyberion Celtic festival in Elmira that is held as a way to give back to the community.

“They hold it in the parking lot behind the Hyberion, the nuns are there cooking food and there is no cost,” said Julie. “They pack the whole block, have music, food and beer. We called them and talked to them about how they did it. They don't do I as a profit thing so we thought it was a good idea and that we'd try something similar. So, we did it last year and managed to break even. So, that's why we decided to try it again this year. It's a great way to earn some money for the culturals so we can keep the doors open year round.”

The Cultural District is the brain child of Valerie Walawender. She is the former director of the Art Gallery. She started the program about 10 years ago and it has grown to include three galleries that feature work by local and world class artists. She currently works with the Historical Society. The District is comprised of the Dunkirk Historical Museum, Dunkirk Lighthouse and Adam's Art Gallery.

“She knew that the culturals in the area were struggling so she suggested banding together,” said Chris. “There is a lot more grant money out there for groups that work together than for individuals.”

(Photo by Dusten Rader)

The start of the cultural district began when two huge events were held at the Historical Society and at Adam's Art Gallery. Invitations were sent to politicians, the community and students from SUNY Fredonia. The events acted to raise awareness of what the Cultural District had to offer to the community.

“People need to understand that cultural activities bring tourism, money and ultimately business,” said Julie. “We draw quite a large amount of people. So, by helping support the small cultural groups like Adam's Art Gallery you're increasing the value of the area.”

Collaboration is a key to success for the local culturals. Since they have banded together many great things have happened. A good example is the work done with SUNY Fredonia. Every year there is a show that features work by the students who didn't have a chance to display their work in Rockefeller.

“Last year we had a show called “Rejected” because there was no space for them,” said Julie. “The community really supported it and it was extremely well attended.”

(Submitted Photo)

Right now there is work on display by a local woman. The show is called A Family Affair: The Art of Patricia Petruzzi. It will be on display until August 31. It is a collaborative effort with Hospice of Chautauqua County's Therapeutic Arts division. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It features humorous paintings, delightful birdhouses and inviting miniature painted picket fences.

The Resource Center also currently has an exhibit until August 31 called “Coats of Many Colors.” It features works created by individuals with developmental disabilities in The Resource Center’s “Creations” art program. The exhibit was arranged by Kristen Briggs, TRC’s art instructor, who coordinates the Creations program.

“It's our second year doing this and it's great,” said Chris. “It's really some wonderful work that is high quality and looks like other professional work.”

(Photo by Dusten Rader)

The bottom floor of Adam's Art Gallery is called the Urbscheit Room. It is dedicated to the memory of Lawrence F. Urbscheit who passed away in 1988. He was a beloved Chautauqua County artist, enthusiastic art teacher and devoted supporter of the visual arts.

“He was instrumental in bringing about the arts in the county,” said Julie. “He is a nationally known artist. So, we actually have his collection here.”

There is also a photography course on August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. called “Basics in digital photography, equipment, functions and techniques”. The course will be led by Suzette Paduano, a local photographer who is the president of the Jamestown Audubon Photography Club, and Jennifer Price, a local studio and wedding photographer. Weather permitting, participants will meet at the gallery, then walk along the Dunkirk beach. Participants will learn the basics in digital photography, equipment, functions, and techniques. The cost is $15 and the class is limited to 30 people. Participants should bring a camera and a bag lunch.

There are a few other art shows coming up in the following months. The North Shore Arts Alliance Members Show will start on November 4 and run until December 17. The opening reception is on Friday, November 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The show features artwork created by juried members of the North Shore Arts Alliance. For more information visit northshoreartsalliance.com or call (716) 269-9811.

Well Worn Boot at the Sunset Bay Beach Club. Plainsman - “I've got electric snowflakes on my fingertips.” (Photo by Dusten Rader)

Julie is also working on a show for the beginning of next year that will feature Body Art.

“It will be an alternative arts show that we're hoping will be a national or international show,” said Julie. “We're hoping to get some big name tattoo artists and live models.”

With all the events and exhibits planned by Adam's Art Gallery and the Cultural District there are plenty of opportunities to support the local arts. For more information visit adamsart.org, visit them on facebook or email adams.art@live.com.