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Letter from the Executive Director n behalf of the Arts Council of Princeton, welcome to Communiversity ArtsFest 2016. In partnership with the students of Princeton University and the town of Princeton, we are excited to celebrate the 46th year of this town-gown festival. Beginning in 1971 as the “Art People’s Party,” by the early 1980s the annual festival had evolved into “Communiversity,” reflecting a collaboration between the Arts Council, the community and the university. While Communiversity continues to grow and change, the collaboration between the Arts Council, the students of Princeton University and the Town of Princeton has endured and expanded. Today, Communiversity annually attracts more than 40,000 people, making it Central Jersey’s largest and longestrunning cultural event. Attendees can expect a colorful combination of art, performances, international food, local merchants and nonprofit organizations. With more than 200 booths, parades, kids’ and family activities, and six stages with non-stop performances, we’re proud that this event promotes such a sense of community and town pride.
friendly activities. Communiversity ArtsFest is successful because it is a collaborative effort by so many members of our community. We value and appreciate our partnership with the town of Princeton, Public Works, the Police, Emergency Services, Princeton University, the Princeton Merchants Association, the Clergy Association and all of the artists and performers, merchants and nonprofits. Thanks go out to the dedicated staff of the Arts Council, our event team and the “village” of hundreds of volunteers it takes to produce such an amazing event. We are particularly grateful to our sponsors without whom Communiversity ArtsFest would not be possible. Very significantly, Bai is this year’s Title Sponsor. It is a company that started right here in Princeton and has grown to be an internationally known brand. A full list of our event sponsors is included in this guide, along with booths and performance and activity schedules throughout the day. We hope you enjoy exploring the sights and sounds of Communiversity ArtsFest 2016!
Jeff Nathanson
The 200+ booth participants add to the festive atmosphere of Communiversity ArtsFest. Attendees enjoy learning about local groups and businesses in the novelty of the closed streets and being outdoors after the long winter. Communiversity is an event where people come out to see friends, listen to music, enjoy great food, view wonderful art and participate in family-
Executive Director Arts Council of Princeton
INDEX All About the Arts Council
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Weaving Princeton’s Story Through Art 10 Vendor List 18 Communiversity Map 20 Performance Schedule 22 Kids & Family Activities 24 Worldly Performances 26 Chalk This Up to Art and Fun 31 Mayor Liz Lempert welcomed crowds at the Opening Ceremony of Communiversity ArtsFest 2015.
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The organization celebrates creativity all year long, throughout the Princeton community By Anthony Stoeckert he Arts Council of Princeton operates out of the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, in which are held a host workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels, a summer camp program, art exhibits, concerts and live performances. That makes the building a busy place, with something there on virtually every day of the year. But the Arts Council’s reach extends well beyond the Paul Robeson Center. The Arts Council’s presence can be felt at its pop-up location at the Princeton Shopping Center, and the free concert series it presents at the shopping center’s courtyard each year; at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, and Grounds For Sculpture, where it hosts workshops; and at such celebrations as Princeton’s annual Halloween parade. Of course the biggest event the Arts Council hosts each year is Communiversity ArtsFest, which is set to take place this year on April 17, 16 p.m. in downtown Princeton. Presented by the Arts Council with participation of students from Princeton University, and support from the town of Princeton, Communiversity ArtsFest will feature more than 225 artists, crafters, merchants and nonprofit organizations, showcasing art, crafts, merchandise, and food to offer tastes from the around the world. ive entertainment is another hallmark of Communiversity, with six stages offering music and dance continuously during the event. “Communiversity is one of the most magical days in Princeton,” says Ted Deutsch, the Arts Council of Princeton’s president of the board of trustees. “When you reach Nassau and Witherspoon on Communiversity day, you can’t help but think you are at the perfect crossroads of the arts, university life and quaint small-town America. The Arts Council is incredibly proud to have shepherded this festival from its small beginnings to the regional phenomenon that it has become today.” And after you’ve experienced Communiversity, you can get ready to discover the other events the Arts Council offers all year long.
Let the Music Play If you enjoy the music at Communiversity, you’re in luck, because the Arts Council also presents free concerts via its Summer Courtyard Concert Series at the Princeton Shopping Center, which will take place on Thursdays starting June 30 and continuing through Aug. 25. The Arts Council also presents music concerts at the Solley Theater at the Paul Robeson Center. Upcoming concerts include a CD release party by saxophone player Tom Tallitsch in support of his new CD, “Gratitude,” on May 20; and a concert by Somdatta Pal and the Sea Thy Melody Ensemble on June 10. The Solley also is the home for Café Improv, which features music, dance and comedy on the fourth Saturday of each month. There is a cost to attend these concerts. “The coolest thing I get do throughout the year is book concerts for our Solley Theater and also select artist to perform at Communiversity and our famed Summer Courtyard Concerts, which is sponsored by the Edens and the Princeton Shopping Center,” says Richard Robinson, program coordinator for the Arts Council of Princeton. Celebrate Good Times What better way to get the community involved in artsrelated projects than holiday celebrations? The Arts Council has helped create several traditions to make special occasions throughout the year, both at the Paul Robeson and in the community at large. Maria Evans, the Arts Council’s artistic director, says her interest in the Arts Council began when she attended her first Halloween parade in Princeton, in 1994, well before she started working with the Arts Council. “I thought, ‘How cool that the whole town comes out for Halloween and everybody from the infants to the grandparents are dressed up,’” Ms. Evans says. “That’s kind of what made me Continued on page 6.
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want to get involved with the Arts Council. Doing those events and being able to keep them free for the public is really part of our mission, and is at the very core of the things that we do here.” The Arts Council’s Day of the Dead celebration, which takes place at the Paul Robeson Center mixes fun, food and a cultural celebration. Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that takes place around Halloween and honors friends and family members who have died. The Arts Council’s celebration includes paper flower making, sugar skull decorating, face painting and Mexican food. “I had no idea if it would take off, but the very first Day of the Dead, our building was packed,” Ms. Evans says. “We had a mariachi band, we had all this Mexican food and so many people came. You’d look across the room and it was people from every background.” The program has become so popular that it is now held in the Courtyard at the Princeton Shopping Center and the Arts Council’s pop-up location. Another annual celebration is the Arts Council Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. The day not only honors Martin Luther King, but other non-violent leaders such as Gandhi and Mother Teresa. “We like to get out of our doors as much as possible,” Ms. Evans says. “In the past two years, we’ve had a big initiative to
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bring a lot of public art into the town.” That public art included last year’s “Parklet,” a seating area in a parking space outside Small World Coffee. “We just want to keep getting out there and spreading art and activities and festivals and parades and events and music outside of our doors,” Ms. Evans says. “We are so fortunate to be in this community, where we are so well received.” And people in Princeton are always ready to get in on the fun. “You put a big mask on and walk down the street, and you’ll be shocked how many people start to follow you,” Ms. Evans says with a laugh. “We’re really connected with the community and we’re blessed that they are connected with us.” Practice Your Craft If you’re an artist looking to learn more, or if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush and want to discover your inner masterpiece, the Arts Council offers an array of programming. These include core classes and innovative programs that address the interests of students and instructors. As Liz Murray, education director for the Arts Council, notes, the arts council’s programs offer “breadth” in respect to age range, media and instructors, and “depth,” for artists ranging from beginners to advanced. Programs are designed to fit various schedules, as you can take a one-off workshop or a multi-week class.
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COMMUNIVERSITYartsfest Workshops are offered in such disciplines as drawing and painting ceramics and sculpture; digital arts and darkroom photography, performing arts, book and literary arts, and special interests such as jewelry, textiles and printmaking. Classes are held in the Paul Robeson Center’s studio, which includes a ceramics studio with nine wheels and two kilns; a digital imaging studio, a darkroom, a dance studio, a theater and art studios. The Arts Council also collaborates on programs with area organizations, including Morven Museum & Garden, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, Grounds For Sculpture and area schools. Ms. Murray says these efforts began in 2013 when she approached Morven about a program that was a “logical extension” for both groups. “This initiative ties in directly with ACP’s mission of ‘building community through the arts,’” she says. “Both partnering organizations promote the programs through their respective networks — creating more awareness and participation. It is not unusual for a student to pay a first-time visit to the host organization, or for students to be exposed to the Arts Council for the first time. The success of these led me to approach the Watershed and Grounds For Sculpture… We are bringing people and organizations together through creative arts!”
The Arts Council also is known for its summer camp programs, which offers art-themed programs based on age with weekly options from June 27 through Sept. 2. “The Arts Council of Princeton offers 10 weeks of camp pro-
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gramming, during which campers create their own works of art as well as work collaboratively on mixedmedia group projects based on each week’s unique theme,” she says. Campers use a variety of art materials, have their works displayed at the Taplin Gallery, and learn about art history. Sharing a Love with Art Another aspect of the Arts Council’s work is its work to bring arts to people who don’t have access to it. “Generally speaking, I and the instructors I work with go to health care facilities or to community locations such as subsidized housing, assisted living centers and alternative high schools to teach art,” says Eva Mantell, the Arts Council’s outreach program manager. “This is a very special kind of art outreach and I find it takes a really open-minded, flexible and yet grounded approach. The instructors I work with all love this very special participant-centered 4056610.0415.QP.HastyAcres.indd work and I hear stories from them on a weekly basis about how
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meaningful their work is and how they feel they are involved in something very positive and exciting. The instructors are learning as much as the participants and that makes for a very dynamic experience and it’s something I’m very proud to be a part of.” One program close to her heart is the Arts Exchange. “This is a particularly joyful experience here on Thursday evenings when approximately 20 students of all ages from HomeFront come to our building for a hot meal and an art class,” Ms. Evans says. “From traditional fine arts to drama to music to design and homework help, it’s a productive, positive, curiosity-inducing, supportive and nourishing place to be each week.” All of this work is done to give people the chance to explore their imagination and creative voice. “Each of these programs has the potential to strengthen emotional and even physical health as well as bonds in the community through the positive and creative work participants are engaged in,” Ms. Evans says. “Each class builds a community based on discovery, heightening the senses, exploring materials and methods and sharing the best of our diverse cultures.” The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is located at 102 Witherspoon St., Princeton. For more information on the Arts Council of Princeton’s programs and events, go to artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777.
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Weaving Princeton’s Story Through Art
Textile artist Diana Weymar is working with the entire community on a special project By Donna Adinolfe iana Weymar is a storyteller. The former Princeton resident, and the Arts Council of Princeton’s current Ann Reeves Artist-in-Residence, is using her experience as a textile artist to tell the story of Princeton, and she’s getting a lot of help from the community to do it. “Interwoven Stories: A Princeton Community Art Project” features 200 fabric threeholed lined “pages” that were handed out to be stitched by Princeton residents. Ms. Weymar turned old bedsheets into the pages on which she stitched lines, so that they resemble a notebook page. Participants, both inexperienced and experienced stitchers, were asked to embroider something historical, geographic or organizational onto a “page.” It could be their favorite spot in town, a Princeton restaurant, their home, or anything else related to Princeton. They also had the option of creating a personal page, abstract or realistic, about their interests, experiences, or personal history. Pages could include text, family history or even another language.
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“I have learned the most about art while studying creative writing at Princeton and working in film in NYC,” Ms. Weymar says. “It’s all storytelling. I stumbled upon using text with textile in 2013 when I made The John McPhee Sampler series. At the Vancouver Island School of art I took Danielle Hogan’s course ‘Art and the Language of Craft’ and it opened up a whole new world to me.” Ms. Weymar says she works exclusively with what she calls “memory materials,” which include clothing, bedsheets, linens, and fabrics that are given to her. “I inherited almost 100 pieces from my grandparents that
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have been in the family for generations,” she says. “A college friend from Kentucky recently sent me a box of textiles that belonged to his mother.” Most of Ms. Weymar’s work is collaborative, she says, adding that she has made pieces with people she has never met and probably never will meet. But, she will meet several of the Interwoven Stories participants as well as speak about the project and offer guidance to the stitchers at Communiversity ArtsFest, Sunday, April 17, in downtown Princeton. She also will be giving a workshop in the gallery at the Arts Council’s Paul Robeson Center. “It will be the final day of ‘Every Fiber of My Being,’ a show I curated in conjunction with my residency — and a chance to check in with the stitchers,” Ms. Weymar says. “I will be available for technical help with the pages but also to talk about them thematically. This project is both abstract and tangible: it brings an idea to life on the page.” Once the pages are stitched, they will be curated, Ms. Weymar says, adding that every page submitted will be exhibited. “I imagine it will be a bit like assembling a puzzle, deciding which pages to put together and how to connect them. Do they read like pages of a story? Poems? Cultural maps?” Continued on page 15.
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Mediterra Restaurant, one of the many diverse food vendors at Communiversity 2015, served delicious paella in Palmer’s Square.
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Working on a community project seemed appealing to stitcher Tim Kresson of Princeton Junction, who said the project was first introduced to him by Eva Mantell, leader of the Caregivers art group at the Arts Council of Princeton.
They will be exhibited at the Princeton Public Library and the municipal building as well as other locations throughout town. All of the pages will remain in the community, she added.
“These activities build a sense of identity around Princeton as a town,” Mr. Kresson says. “The project description led me to form an idea quickly of what I wanted to do for it, which immediately gave me a direction in which to go.”
Community projects such as “Interwoven Stories” allow people to get to know each other and to connect, Ms. Weymar says. “There is an element of the unknown in communitybased projects that is extremely exciting,” she says. “Community-based projects require faith and trust ... and curiosity. To take a creative risk together is a grounding experience. There is always the hope with community projects that they are a way for people to come together.”
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Mr. Kresson’s page depicts the Suzanne Patterson Center, home of the Princeton Senior Resource Center, with the addition of the sandwich board sign “Dance Tonight” out front. “Our dance group, the Princeton Country Dancers,
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meets at Suzanne Patterson Center every Wednesday and some Saturday evenings,” he said “This is where I go regularly in Princeton. Also the senior center is a focus for many people in Princeton for all of its varied program of activities and services, several of which I have taken advantage of personally.” Lenora Kandiner of West Windsor says she is using her past embroidery experience to broaden her creative scope. “I learned basic embroidery many years ago, and rarely used it,” Ms. Kandiner said. “Last year some of us got involved in another embroidery project at the Arts Council, and I enjoyed the embroidery part. “I have been creating art using ginkgo as a motif for several years, ever since I tripped over a branch which had fallen off one of the two majestic ginkgo trees on Green Street near the Arts Council,” she adds. “I had been doing other leaf-inspired work for many years, while people asked me if I ever did ginkgo. Besides the exceptionally beautiful shape of the leaves and the branches, I’ve learned that ginkgo is a symbol. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest trees on the planet, and it survives in the face of adversity. The ginkgo trees at Hiroshima survived the atomic blast and bloomed the next spring. I’ve become very aware of almost all of the ginkgo trees in Princeton, and can often be found picking up ginkgo leaves that have fallen on the ground. So my page has ginkgo branches meandering across it and will Continued on page 26.
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have some good words floating between the branches.” For participant Veronica Olivares-Weber, “Interwoven Stories” is a family affair. She, her two daughters, and her husband all are stitching pages. “My daughter Valeria asked me to go with her to pick up her materials for a project she was interested in doing,” Mrs. Olivares-Weber says. “While we were introduced to Diane Weymar, the Ann Reeves Artist of residence, I found out what the project was about and got very excited.” Mrs. Olivares-Weber is from Mexico where she said embroidery is a big part of the culture. “My mom taught me how to make embroidery when I was 10 years old,” she said. “We used to live in Guadalajara, Mexico, and she used to take me to a club where women will gather to make projects and spend their afternoons embroidering. I don’t have a lot of experience like my mom, but I loved being able to embroider again and remember old times.” Valeria Torres-Olivares, 16, a sophomore at Princeton High School, said one of her friends encouraged her to get involved in the project. “When I was younger I remember my father actually teaching and encouraging me to explore embroidery,” Valeria says.
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“So, when we visited Mexico, I was enamored with all of the different types of colorful embroidery that was around. I am not a master embroiderer; however, I really do enjoy exploring different mediums of art.” Valeria added that she chose to embroider an image of her favorite artist, Frida Kahlo, because she wanted to include her Mexican heritage in her project to share with her community. Her father, Oscar Torres-Reyna, also is contributing. “As a member of a vibrant community, I wanted to bring my two-cultural cents to this project, not to mention it brings back nice childhood memories,” Mr. Torres-Reyna says. “My mom taught me how to do embroidery when I was a kid. It was part of a family activity. At this point, I am an amateur trying to remember. The cultural part of my two cents is a small recreation of the Day of the Dead celebration that me and my family had been helping organize every year for the Arts Council of Princeton. La Catrina is at the center of it all; it will be at the center of the piece in a cemetery context.” Ms. Weymar said she is most impressed by participants who are giving of their time for a project they are not going to keep. “We’re all so busy these days and this is one of the wonderful things about this project: People are committing to making something of which they will not retain ownership and will be donated to the community. I love this aspect of the project. It’s a gift.”
Worldly Performances
The musicians and dancers at Communiversity ArtsFest showcase various styles, cultures, and backgrounds By Keith Loria ommunivesity ArtsFest has always been known as an event offering great music and live performances, but this year’s community-wide celebration of the arts, scheduled for April 17, promises to present the widest diversity of music and dance programs in its long history. The diversity of acts means performers of various cultures, ages and musical styles. With seven stages set up around town, more than 40 local and national acts will be performing on the day. Among the musical highlights are sets from The Beatles cover band, the Blue Meanies; a performance by the Princeton School of Rock; the Yang Yi Guzheng Academy Ensemble; Ballet Folklorico de Princeton and the Princeton Brass ensemble. There’s also teen performers Heather Anne Wertenbaker, who is 14 years old, and Emma Bentch. Both girls attend Princeton High School, and are making their first-ever appearance at Communiversity, where they will be singing in harmony and playing acoustic guitars. Nationally touring indie singer-songwriter Lauren Marsh of Hopewell returns to the event — playing the Palmer Square Stage for the first time — and this year will be playing songs 26
The Qing Yang Dance Studio & Troupes perform Chinese folk dances during Communiversity.
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off her new EP, “Veracity.” One of the songs from the album, “Dear Love,” was just featured on the hit CBS drama “NCIS: New Orleans.” “Performing live for the community I grew up in right after having my song aired nationally, is something really special and I’m looking forward to celebrating that with everyone there,” Ms. Marsh says. “I’m looking forward to performing for the community that continuously supports me as an artist and an individual as well as representing my history of growing up in Hopewell, graduating from Hopewell High School, performing in the Princeton School of Rock, and performing and running open mic nights at Grover’s Mill Coffee House.” John Smythe, guitarist of Fresh Fire, an alternative-inspirational band based in South Jersey, notes the band is planning a really exciting set — with covers, original tunes, and some stuff from the band’s recently released EP, “Forever.” “This will be our third year performing at Communiversity and each year, it becomes a little more special to us,” he says. “Art is diverse. If you only show a certain demographic of entertainers, you’ll never see the full spectrum of what art, and life, has to offer. Art also is a way to communicate hope. That is what we are all about. So if entertainment does not diversify itself, people can potentially be missing out on a message they need to hear, not just from us, but from anyone who has positive Continued on page 30.
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The Princeton University Marching Band kicked off the festivities at the corner of Nassau and Witherspoon Streets.
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proud to be part of this global community as reflected in Communiversity’s mission to bring people together in celebration of diverse arts and cultures.”
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things to say.” Eco Del Sur will be performing Latin American folk music using pre-Colombian and contemporary musical instruments. “The music will include different styles and rhythms from countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela,” says band leader Jorge Gomez. “The diversity is very important because it brings people from different backgrounds to share and enjoy all the cultures. For us, the day is also an opportunity to enjoy the food and culture from other nationalities.” Also scheduled to perform are University bands, local dance troupes and various instrumental groups ranging from drumming to classical music. Plus, there will be plenty for dance lovers to enjoy. Lisa Botalico has presented a flamenco performance every year since 2000, making this year her 17th at Communiversity. “We will present a variety of dances from Spain, including gypsy flamenco: Sevillanas, the traditional folk dance from Seville; and a pasodoble danced to music traditionally played at the bullfight,” she says. “Over the years Flamenco has gained worldwide popularity with the public and with dancers from all backgrounds and ages. It is now a global art form and we are
The Qing Yang Dance Studio & Troupes will be performing beautiful Chinese folk dances, covering a wide range, including dances from opera and ballet. “Chinese folk dance is a highly varied art form, consisting of many modern and traditional dance genres,” says Alex Zhao, manager of the troupe. “We are living in a lovely New Jersey community. We value and promote cultural diversity, so when our friends introduced Communiversity to us, we thought it was a great event to appear at.” Alexandra Loh, a dancer with diSiac Dance Company, a student-run dance company at Princeton University, says the group returns this year with excerpts from its spring show. “diSiac loves performing at Communiversity because it gives us a chance to expand our reach into the town of Princeton,” she says. “We are constantly looking to develop our company into more than a college dance group. Communiversity is a great place for us to meet new diSi-fans, and an excellent outlet to share our passion for dance with the greater Princeton community.” For a complete schedule of events, go artscouncilofprinceton.org/performing-arts/music/communiversity-music.
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Chalk This Up to Art and Fun
Even sidewalks become art at Communiversity, thanks to a project by Jim Marcus and Lisa Marcus Levine By Rich Fisher hat do you get when you cross an architect with a human resource professional and mix in a five-year stay in Buffalo? Why, some of the greatest chalk art you’ll ever see, of course! Now celebrating their 20th year, Jim Marcus and Lisa Marcus Levine are again making a colorful impact on Princeton’s Communiversity ArtsFest on April 17, 1 to 6 p.m. The husbandwife team initiated, and continue to organize, an array of Princeton and Montgomery high school students and some John Witherspoon Middle School students to create chalk art on the sidewalks of West Tiger Way during the big event. “It took us a while to catch on,” Ms. Levine said. “But now people come looking for our ‘gallery.’” As well they should, as strips of simple, bland pavement come alive with vibrant, multi-colored spectacles created with nothing more than pieces of chalk in the hands of creative young minds. The artists work their magic for passersby, some of whom engage in conversation with the artists, while others just stop and watch. “We are so impressed by these kids,” Ms. Levine said. “It seems like a pretty intimidating thing to ask a kid to work in front of throngs of people in a medium they are not used to. Yet they come prepared to work and create these amazing pieces of art. The best thing is, they have fun doing it.” Indeed they do. One of the event’s veterans is PHS senior Olivia Hamblet, who has been participating since she was in the sixth grade. She has several pieces of advice for prospective chalk artists, the most important being “Just have fun. Usually people do it with friends and you’re chatting and covered with chalk and fighting each other with the chalk. You’ve got to know how to laugh.” And you better dress correctly — as in, don’t wear your Sunday best. “Be ready to get dirty,” Ms. Hamblet says. “You will spend three to four hours being covered in chalk.” Following in the footsteps of wings, chalk drawing is the second great import from Buffalo to Princeton. Jim and Lisa lived in New York’s most Northwest city for five years. While attending a festival at nearby Lewiston they saw students creating chalk paintings. Continued on page 33.
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Top Left: An image of the video game character Ace Attorney, created by Olivia Hamblet and Isabelle Joyce at a recent Communiversity ArtsFest. Bottom Left: A chalk art drawing created at Communiversity ArtsFest. Right: Joyce and Hamblet at their chalk drawing of the Legend of Zelda.
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Upon moving to Princeton, where Jim works in human resources at Church & Dwight and Lisa works for DaCruz Segal Architecture, they immediately thought of Lewiston upon attending their first Communiversity. The Arts Council of Princeton, which organizes the event, was receptive to their idea of chalk artistry and provided space in the middle of Nassau Street. It was then moved to the roomier Tiger Square West in Palmer Square, located around the park with the tiger statue. “When we first started, we sat down with area art teachers, and it was agreed that this should be a fun event, not a competition,” Ms. Levine says. “The consensus was we would get much better participation that way. We ask the artists to write their school under their artwork, so there is some school pride attached. It’s about having fun and letting them share their talents with the community. We have decided to give them maximum freedom to create.” Each team of artists is given a 4-by-6-foot square of workspace, which Jim Marcus marks off with masking tape. Carpenter’s chalk is used to provide a grid in the fame so the artists can easily enlarge the drawings or paintings they bring as centraljersey.com
their model. The Arts Council provides them various colors of chalk. Ms. Hamblet signed up in sixth grade when her middle school teacher told the class about it. With artistry in her blood — she plans on attending an art college — she dived in. Ms. Hamblet does a little painting but deals mainly in pencil-andink work on paper, so drawing was, well, a big draw for her. An avid video game fan, she flew solo with her first creation, which was Pokemon themed. “It was very simplistic, looking back on it,” she said. “I see so many different things I could do to make it better.” Since then, she has worked with her friend and classmate Isabelle Joyce. After they draw the outline, they each start at different edges and begin to color it in. “You definitely have to map it and use guidelines,” Ms. Hamblet said. “Designing the space into different sections helps a lot because you can get everything sized correctly.” She added that once the chalk is applied, “Don’t be afraid to Continued on page 34.
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use your hands to smooth colors out to blend things together. It helps the colors to be sharper and look more full, rather than having all those different breaks in the color.” Over the years, Olivia and Isabelle have done video game subjects such as Legend of Zelda and Ace Attorney, along with the online comic, Homestuck. Her favorite was Zelda because it came from her own drawing that she put into chalk format. “Chalk is definitely out of my comfort zone,” Ms. Hamblet said. “But it’s nice to be challenged. It’s like ‘OK, I have my picture with these materials, how am I going to make this work?’” So, what is her comfort zone? “If I could have my dream job I would love to create box art for video games,” she said. “Those are my two favorite things. I don’t think that’s some crazy, reach-for-the-stars type of dream. It’s maybe something I could reach.” For those wishing to watch Olivia and her chalk peers in action, they begin drawing at the start of Communiversity and usually take up to three hours to complete their work. “We want to be sure that they come prepared with a drawing Continued on page 35.
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Volunteers are crucial to the success of Communiveristy ArtsFest. Returning volunteer Todd is always a colorful greeter.
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and that they know how to take that copy and enlarge it for the street,” Ms. Levine said. “It’s not a lot of prep work, but they need to think about their piece and how they will translate it using chalk as a medium. “One of our best artists was Birgitta Sif, who went on to study illustration, and has published several children’s books (birgittasif.com). She did a fantastic rendering of Van Gogh’s ‘Cafe Terrace at Night.’ She spent pretty much the whole day working on it. That was many years ago, and she set the bar pretty high.” But as Ms. Levine noted, it’s not about reaching the bar but having fun. And for two decades budding young artists have done just that while adding an animated flair to Communiversity.
A student hard at work on a chalk art creation.
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COMMUNIVERSITYartsfest A Foodie’s Delight Communiversity ArtsFest By Rich Fisher ommuniversity ArtsFest is a celebration of all arts, including masterpieces of fine food and drink. Be sure to bring your appetite, because foods of all varieties and styles will be for sale during the big event. The variety of foods is as diverse as colors on a painter’s palette, as the aroma of American, Middle Eastern, Japanese and vegetarian creations will titillate the senses. Beverages from sugary sodas to pure and healthy raw blends are available to wash down lunch; and a variety of items to satisfy the sweet tooth will provide the perfect dessert. For those preparing the foods, Communiversity is a labor of love. “We are all looking forward to Communiversity,” says Jenny Chang of Mo C Mo C Japanese Cuisine on Tulane Street. “We love seeing our regular customers bring their families with them to enjoy one of the biggest events in Princeton. We love meeting new people and introducing them to the world of Japanese cuisine. It’s always great that everyone will work as a team and make this event a successful one. All the staff enjoys it so much that everyone takes turns working at the booth.”
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Now in its sixth year of operation, this is the fifth Communiversity for Mo C Mo C. The restaurant’s booth will be set up a few steps from their premises. Raw fish will not be outside in order to ensure freshness, but can be purchased inside the restaurant. Being offered at the booth will be signature classics such as California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, vegetable rolls and spicy crab rolls. Also on the menu are steamed shrimp dumplings, egg rolls, chicken teriyaki and stir-fried Japanese Udon noodles with vegetables. For those who enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine, Mamoun’s Falafel on Witherspoon Street features such delights as falafel, hummus, smoked eggplant, lamb and marinated chicken sandwiches in pita bread, various vegetable items, grape leaves, pickles, spinach pies, seasoned rice and much more. For the health conscious, the Try Vegan truck offers numerous vegetarian treats, including a veggie burger, a Buffalo cauContinued on page 38.
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liflower wrap, the vegan supreme, a grilled Portobello sandwich and a number of healthy smoothie drinks. In order to wash it all down, one can go the conventional way of water and soft drinks. Or, there is the tasty and nutritional route offered by Arlee’s Raw Blends, which is celebrating its first anniversary on Nassau Street by participating in its second Communiversity. “We enjoy being part of an event that brings the Princeton community together for a day filled with music, food and community pride,” says owner Paula Taylor. “This day also gives us the opportunity to share our passion for healthy and tasty organic juices and foods.” More than just drinks, Arlee’s will feature raw and vegan salads, crackers, dried fruits and bite-sized desserts. And of course, there are their famous healthy concoctions of cold-pressed juices, including pineapple, apple and beet blends, kale and beet refreshers, and their best-seller, Kale No. 2. They are the kind of drinks that provide a boost for weary bodies tired from walking. “Arlee’s Raw Blends juices are a great way to refresh and revitalize while taking in the Communiversity festivities,” Ms. Taylor said. “ All of Arlee’s products are made from wholesome organic fruits and vegetables, and are carefully blended to be not only nutritious, but also delicious. We look forward to assisting those new to juicing with the selection of juice blends filled with natural nutrients and enzymes. Our juices are sure to provide that boost necessary to fully explore all Communiversity has to offer.”
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No meal is complete without dessert, and that’s where Chez Alice Gourmet Café & Bakery on Palmer Square West comes in. Owner Matt Banihani has made it a point to be part of Communiversity since purchasing Chez Alice in 2007. Two tables will be set up outside the store, which is also open for business. Treats such as fresh strawberry mint lemonade and other drinks will be served, along with store-made pastries, macaroons, meringues and Chez Alice’s signature cakes. “We normally have a great turnout,” said Store Manager Amanda Packer. “We have returning attendees always looking for our cakes. We are coming up on our 25th anniversary of being in town (all with the same bakers) and we are looking to make this our best Communiversity yet.” So let’s eat, drink and be artsy! For a list of Communiversity vendors, including food vendors, see page 18.
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