By Dave Wedekindt

President of Artpark

As I write this, the calendar reads late May, yet the thermometer reads late April! But rest assured warmer temperatures are on the way, which means it will soon be festival season again in Lewiston, and also time for another season at Artpark.

Since I last wrote to you in mid-November, we were still glowing from our incredible 50th anniversary season; and shortly before Thanksgiving, I was selected by our board of directors as Artpark’s next president after serving as interim president for nearly eight months and a thorough national search. As a lifelong Western New Yorker, Artpark has always been a part of my life, and I’ve had countless incredible experiences here. I’m honored to have been selected for this role, and eager to work along with our team on an even brighter future for Artpark.

I was touched, as well, by the numerous members of the community who sent me personal notes of congratulations and support. There is so much love for Artpark, and that was especially clear in our fundraising challenge campaign late last year, which exceeded its goal. Thank you to all who gave, and continue to make contributions to help drive our mission forward.

Dave Wedekindt

President of Artpark

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As the trees and plants bloom for the spring, so too does the new season at Artpark, and there are so many exciting events ahead. Our team has been hard at work putting together a diverse and exciting schedule, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Between June and September, we will feature:

•25 concerts on the Mainstage, Amphitheater, and Emerald Grove stages representing an eclectic mix of classic and modern rock, pop, blues, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, Latin, funk, classical, Americana, country, bluegrass and more.

•Opera returns with a semi-staged production of Richard Wagner’s epic “The Flying Dutchman,” featuring a cast of world-class singers, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

•The Fairy House Festival will fill the air with whimsical charm for its 15th year. The Strawberry Moon Festival celebrates unity with our Indigenous friends and incredible performers and craftsmen. And the Better Off Read Book Festival returns for the second time. We’ll also offer an exciting Cirque Festival featuring Montreal’s “Flip Fabrique” and more.

•“Wonder Wednesdays” is a new free series for toddlers and their caregivers featuring active play in the outdoors. And this fall, Artpark welcomes the return of touring performances for children with the national tour of “CoComelon: Sing A-Long Live.”

•Artpark’s first Red Horizons: Celebrating Indigenous Futures in Art + Fashion Show is a celebration of Indigenous excellence in fashion, beauty and the arts founded and produced by two visionary Tuscarora women: Kehala Greene-Smith and A’ngelee Clause.

•Laugh with “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking For Trouble.” The improv comedy masters and stars of television’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” bring their all-ages live show featuring audience participation.

•Artpark is bringing outdoor movie night back with a unique twist. The hit film “Wicked” sing-along version will be projected on a huge screen across the Amphitheater stage. Sing “Defying Gravity” and more as loud as you wish outside in the Amphitheater under the stars.

•A new collaboration with Niagara Theater Collective will mark the return of theater camp for youth ages 13-18 for a unique, site-specific outdoor production of “Hansel & Gretel.”

•The visual arts will be alive with the return of Artcamps for ages 9-14, a new mural by Buffalo’s Edreys and Alexa Wajed, and temporary installation of steel sculptures by past artist-in-residence Maren Hassinger. Adults will have the opportunity to create art on our grounds all summer long with our expanded “Creations and Libations” series.

•Last but not least, our Indigenous Arts and Artpark Bridges will teach, enrich and connect us to the earth and to each other.

Please check our website at www.artpark.net for a full list of programs planned.

Artpark is a beautiful place, but it’s our people who truly make it great. Artpark & Company’s dedicated board of directors and our event volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and support. The generous donors, members, foundations and sponsors who help us fulfill our nonprofit mission. Our partners the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and elected officials. The seasonal employees who offer service or teach with a smile. The Village and Town of Lewiston, and the many patrons such as yourself who purchase tickets and concessions. And, of course, our talented staff, who inspire with their energy, knowledge, commitment and creativity.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to recognize Skip Mazenauer – founder, owner and publisher of Niagara Frontier Publications, whom we sadly lost late last year. I first became acquainted with Skip when I joined Artpark in 2018 and he was on Artpark’s board of directors and co-chair of the marketing committee. He was one of the first people to welcome me, eager to help any way he could, and had a “can do” spirit. I enjoyed our meetings and conversations, and it was always clear he was a man who loved his family, business and community. On behalf of myself and Artpark’s board, our condolences to his friends and loved ones – and may his memory be a blessing.

See also >> Artpark celebrates 51st season with exciting & diverse schedule of performances, events, activities