Borough to celebrate art, culture at festival

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Frank Hayden of Naugatuck looks over a photography exhibit during the Naugatuck All Arts Festival last year. The Naugatuck Arts Commission has teamed up with the Naugatuck Cultural Council this year to host an Arts & Cultural Festival on the Town Green Saturday. –RA ARCHIVE
Frank Hayden of Naugatuck looks over a photography exhibit during the Naugatuck All Arts Festival last year. The Naugatuck Arts Commission has teamed up with the Naugatuck Cultural Council this year to host an Arts & Cultural Festival on the Town Green Saturday. –RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — Works of art and a variety of cultures will be in the spotlight Saturday.

The Naugatuck Arts & Cultural Festival will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday on the Town Green on Church Street and run until 8 p.m. The festival is put on by the Naugatuck Arts Commission and the Naugatuck Cultural Council.

The day will feature several cultural organizations presenting their culture and a variety of live entertainment, including a performance by the Naugatuck Teen Theater as well as traditional Portuguese, Laotian, African and Spanish song and dance.

The festival will also have an open mic for musicians until 6 p.m. Following the open mic sessions, local Naugatuck band Rubber City Blues Band will take the stage.

An “instrument petting zoo” will also be available where children and adults alike can get some hands-on experience with a wide variety of instruments.

“What we hope is to have the kids get involved and take an interest in band and have the adults say, ‘I haven’t played this in years, let me get involved with arts community band,’” Lisa D’Andrea, chair of the arts commission, said.

Festival goers will also be able to create their own unique works of art at the pARTicipate tent, D’Andrea said.

“You can grab canvas or papers, paint, charcoal, feathers, beads, any kind of medium you can think of and make your own art,” D’Andrea said.

In addition people will be able to take part in Chalk-the-Walk where they can grab some chalk and create artwork on the sidewalk.

Those with artwork already created can bring up to three pieces to be displayed at the gallery throughout the festival. 

The Matica Circus will return to the festival with its blend of comedy and acrobatic acts with lots of audience participation. According to the troupe’s website, after the show the performers will open their suitcase of tricks and play with the audience.

The event will also feature crafts, food and a piñata, D’Andrea said.

“It will be a fun-filled day of arts and family fun,” D’Andrea said.

The rain date for the festival is Sunday. For more information, email info.naugyarts@yahoo.com.