AURORA – Once again, Alley (ART) Festival is going to take over the Water Street Mall for one day of fun and artsy festivities in downtown Aurora.
On Sat., Aug. 27 from noon-5 p.m. artsy types will converge on the pedestrian brick alley between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard for a family-friendly event that celebrates community and the vibrant art and culture scene in Aurora’s downtown.
“This is what we need downtown – people getting together and enjoying an underutilized space. We want everyone to come out and see the local talent in our fabulous downtown,” said Marissa Amoni, editor and publisher of Downtown Auroran Magazine, who heads up the grassroots event.
Over 40 local artists and a handful of musicians will participate in the second annual Alley Art Festival. Artists include Don Picton, Joanna Goss, Mike Mancuso, Jaime Torraco, Maureen Gasek, Lisa Manning, Lisa Gloria, Fernando Medina, Angelica Matczuk and more. The outdoor festival is participant-run and is what several artists and residents said they want to see in downtown Aurora.
"We have almost doubled the artists from last year. Artists are encouraged to be creative and not only sell their wares, but create hands-on activities. The festival is a chance for everyone to have fun, while shining light on local art," Amoni said.
The free event combines the arts with a street carnival atmosphere. Artwork and handmade items will be available for sale. Lions Club and Luigi’s Pizza will have food and ice cream available for purchase. A children’s art tent, free yoga classes, hula-hoop instruction and more are all part of the festivities.
Notable local musicians will perform on the lawn of the mall including Jeremy Keen, who was recently featured on the “Made in Aurora” album, Andrea Dawn and Blue Smoke.
Event sponsors include Downtown Auroran Magazine, City of Aurora and Triple Threat Mentoring.
Water Street Mall is located west of Broadway between Galena and Downer in downtown Aurora. E-mail downtownauroran@gmail.com for more information. For a complete list of artists, find Alley Art Festival on Facebook.
