Communversity 2014

Produced by the Arts Council of Princeton with the students of Princeton University and Princeton

Sponsored in part by

• April 27, 2014

Letter from the Executive Director On behalf of the Arts Council of Princeton, welcome to Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014. From its humble beginnings over four decades ago, this town-gown festival has grown to become the most anticipated event in our region.

Communiversity had its start in 1971 on Palmer Square as the “Art People’s Party,” organized by the Arts Council as a creative community event featuring art and music.

Over the years it evolved and in the early 1980s was renamed “Communiversity” as a reflection of the community and university collaboration that it had become.

Since that time our event has continued to grow and change, yet the collaboration between the Arts Council of Princeton and the students of Princeton University has endured. Today Communiversity includes over 200 artists, crafters, merchants, food vendors and community groups. Over three dozen music and dance performances will be presented on six stages — this is more music and entertainment than ever before!

And, in contrast to the few hundred who attended the first Art People’s Party, thousands now attend the event, making it the largest annual cultural event in central New Jersey.

The Arts Council of Princeton is a nonprofit community-based organization and we are grateful for the support and collaborative spirit that has enabled this much-loved celebration of the arts to be so successful. The entire weekend around Communiversity is promoted as Princeton Arts Weekend and the many arts and cultural organizations in the region, coordinated through the Princeton Arts and Culture Consortium, will present arts events and exhibitions throughout the weekend, starting with the Arts Council’s own spring benefit “Pinot to Picasso” on Friday evening, April 25th. A full Arts

Weekend schedule is available on the Arts Council’s website: www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Communiversity Festival of the Arts is a success because it is a collaborative effort by so many different members of our community. We appreciate the partnership we enjoy with the town of Princeton, including the town Administration, Public Works, the Police, Emergency Services, plus Princeton University, the Princeton Merchants Association, the Clergy Association, and all participating artists, performers, merchants and nonprofits.

The ACP’s amazing staff and event team is heroic in organizing the event and over 100 individual community members also contribute as priceless volunteers, performing tasks from greeting people and handing out the event guide to spinning cotton candy.

Finally, I wish to express our appreciation to our sponsors without whom our event would not be possible. A full list is available on our website and I hope that you will take a moment to peruse the list of sponsors as well as the schedule of performers and the list of all the many participants. Communiversity Festival of the Arts is creative, fun, and exemplifies the Arts Council of Princeton’s mission of building community through the arts. We have enjoyed producing this wonderful event for the community for over 40 years and we hope you enjoy the 2014 edition.

Jeff Nathanson Executive Director Arts Council of Princeton

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 •

• April 27, 2014

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 •

Everything You Need To Know About Communiversity

By Keith Loria

L

ast year represented a big change for Communiversity as the four-decades-old Over the years, Communiversity has seen tremendous growth, going from around event was held on a Sunday for the first time. That change must have been suc- 15,000 attendees a decade ago to an average of about 40,000 the past few years. cessful because the event will again close out the weekend this year, as Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 is set to be held Sunday, April 27.

“At one point, we made a conscious effort to grow the event, but at this point, growing the event is not our goal — I’m not sure our small town can handle much more, we More than 40,000 people are expected to attend Communiversity, which will kick off may have reached capacity,” Mr. Nathanson says. “Instead, we are focused on making as the Princeton University Band marches up Witherspoon Street beginning at 12:30 the event better, and bringing the art experience to the people is important to us. The p.m. The fun and excitement will last until 6 p.m., as people of all ages in the Princeton size hasn’t increased but the experience will be that much richer.” community will be heading to the green at Palmer Square, Nassau and Witherspoon Attendees will be able to stop at the more than 200 booths that will be set up on the streets and throughout the Princeton University campus — to take part in the free an- Communiversity grounds. The booths will feature local and regional artists, food vennual celebration of fun and excitement dors, merchants, contemporary crafts and non-profit organizations.

Merchants, nonprofit organizations, musicians, performing and visual artists, food “We have added a stage this year, bringing the total up to six (for live music); are vendors, and many university student organizations and performing groups will turn bringing back the popular Paint Out which debuted last year; and adding Street Side the area into a colorful fairground, offering events for students and families alike.

Studios,” says Jeff Nathanson, executive director of the Arts Council of Princeton. “We For the first time ever, the Arts Council of Princeton will be inviting Communiversity always try to present a balance between art, music, dance, culinary arts, as well as attendees to join in to make rich colorful monotype prints under the guidance of inshowcasing local businesses and non profits. There will be a wide-range of activities structor and printmaker Kathleen Metaxas in what is being called, the Monothon. and perspectives represented.”

Using Akua Kolor non-toxic water-based inks, stencils and various tactile elements, participants will create one print. Layers of images and color will be printed on top of Mr. Nathanson likens the formulation of the event to a giant puzzle — with a fantastic one another producing a collection of collaborative prints to be displayed as one large staff of Arts Council members, support from the University and two wonderful event art installation. coordinators working to make sure that all the pieces are in place for crafting a day to “The medium offers exciting and unexpected results, which are hard to come by in remember. continued on page 8

• April 27, 2014

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 •

continued from page 6 traditional painting and drawing,” Ms. Metaxes says. “It has proven to be a great way for beginning artists to find satisfactory results and experienced artists to find another layer of creativity within their creative well.”

Paint Out Princeton returns after a successful showing last year. From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., more than three dozen artists will claim their spot at one of the five designated locations (Hinds Plaza, Palmer Square Green, Tiger Park, stage-side at Chamber Street and at select areas along the University Campus) and paint the sights and sounds of the event.

Those with little ones will find plenty to do. The Palmer Square Stage will feature a day’s worth of performances geared to kids, and there will activities galore.

“We have a fantastic art-making booth we call Nana’s Make a Mess workshop and plenty of other hands-on art making activities,” Mr. Nathanson says. “We will once again have glitter tattoos, cotton candy and a lot of things that kids really love. We are really proud of the activities we have for smaller children.”

For the first time in its 43-year history, a sixth stage for live performances will be in play, allowing for even more great music and performances, all with ties to the Princeton area. The newest stage, located at the festival entrance on Nassau Street at Washington Road, will feature music by piano rocker Luke Elliot, singer/songwriters Avi Wisnia and Sarah Donner and percussive guitarist Sheltered Turtle.

In all, Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 will host more than 50 performances throughout the day, including a wide variety of musical genres from rock to Philadelphia funk, from blues and blue grass to family-friendly pop. There also will be performances by dance troupes and circus-inspired performances to mesmerize and thrill visitors of all ages. Additionally, street level pop-up performers including a cappella groups, flash performances, musicians and actors will entertain visitors throughout the event.

“The idea behind the event is that it is a community-wide arts festival that celebrates diverse art forms, diverse culture, and really the full range of individuals and groups

• April 27, 2014

who coexist and hopefully enjoy one another and learn and celebrate one another in our region,” Mr. Nathanson says. “Between a Spanish dance and School of Rock and folk, jazz and Bollywood performances, there’s a representation of so many different perspectives and range of talents and cultures.”

For more information on Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014, contact the Arts Council at 609-924-8777 ext. 150, or visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org; for more information about the Communiversity celebration on campus, call the University’s Office of Community and Regional Affairs at 609-258-5144.

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 •

Performance Schedule Town-Gown Stage

Palmer Square Stage

Stanhope Stage

Located at the intersection of Nassau and Witherspoon Streets

Located on Palmer Square Green

Located on Princeton University Campus near Nassau Hall

Sponsored by Delaware Valley MINI Cooper Dealers

1:20 2:10 3:00 4:00 5:00

The Blue Meanies Stolen Rhodes Big Wake Swift Technique Wayside Shrines

Chambers Stage

Sponsored by Arts Council of Princeton Located at the intersection of Nassau and Chambers Streets 1:20 Unity Choir of the First Baptist Church of Princeton 2:10 Princeton School of Rock 3:00 Fresh Fire 4:00 Matt Trowbridge 5:00 The Shaxe

Washington Stage

Sponsored by Bai Brands Located on Nassau Street near Washington Road 1:20 2:10 3:00 4:00 5:00

Sarah Donner Sheltered Turtle Luke Elliot Avi Wisnia Nalani & Sarina

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Sponsored by Palmer Square Management 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:10 3:40 4:10 5:10

Fiesta Flamenca YWCA Dance Department Stone Soup Circus Princeton Variety Theater Jewelia Matt Wong Dave Grossman Caroline Reese and the Drifting Fifth

Paul Robeson Stage

Sponsored by AvalonBay Located on Witherspoon Street near Paul Robeson Place 1:00 1:45 2:15 2:45 3:40 3:55 4:15 4:55 5:25 5:45

Yang Yi Guzheng Ensemble American Repertory Ballet Princeton Girl Choir The Bansai Bills Stuart Middle School Select Choir Dance Vision, Inc. Blue Jersey Band Rhythms NJ Ahn’s Taekwondo Princeton Friends School Dance Club

Sponsored by Princeton University

1:15 1:45 2:10 2:40 3:10 3:40 4:10 4:35 5:05 5:35

Shuffle Mode Tora Taiko DiSiac Princeton Pianists Ensemble Ellipses Slam Poetry PURE (Princeton University Rock Ensemble) Mas Flow Contraband The Benchwarmers Sympoh

East Pyne Arch

A Capella Performances Located on Princeton University Campus at East Pyne Arch 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30

Koleinu Footnotes Tigressions Tigertones Tigerlillies Nassoons Tickled Pink Katzenjammers Wildcats Roaring 20

Adding Flavor to Communiversity

Restaurants are bringing out their best for the big day

By Keith Loria

T

here are plenty of reasons to go to the Communiversity Festival of the Arts Based on customer feedback, Mr. Ryan discovered one of the restaurant’s most pop2014: a chance to run into great friends; listen to live music; look at art, or cre- ular menu items is its half-pound burger, so it will be selling beef sliders on sweet Haate your own art; learn about the community and the university, and the list waiian rolls and Chef Juan’s famous BBQ pulled pork sandwich served on half torpedo goes on and on. rolls, on the day.

Of course, adding to the “flavor” of the event is the amazing collection of food and “We will have three draft beers: one a craft, one a light beer and the third is up in the drink offerings that are available thanks to a who’s who of the area’s most popular air. We’re debating between Leinenkeugel Summer Shandy and Angry Orchard hard restaurants. Communiversity serves as sort of the unofficial kickoff to summer where cider,” he says. “We will also offer two wine selections; one red and one white — both town and gown come together for good food, good drinks, and good times.

Spanish blends.”

Richard Ryan, owner of Princeton’s Ivy Inn, will be returning to Communiversity as a Eric M. Nutt of Triumph Brewing Company, with locations in Princeton and New vendor for the third straight year.

Hope, Pa., says Triumph will be serving short rib tacos and crab cake sandwiches, along with its freshly made house beer, Honey Blonde and Amber Ale. This is the 19th “I was born and raised here and have always looked forward to attending this event. consecutive year the restaurant has taken part in the event.

Historically, it’s been a great venue to see people from town that you typically don’t run into on a daily basis,” Mr. Ryan says. “We officially opened our kitchen in January “Communiversity day is a great way for the local business community, Princeton Uni2013 after we partnered with Geoff Aton. He’s been a tremendous addition to our versity and the Arts Council of Princeton to all come together and celebrate the arts,” team and we’re very pleased to have him on board. The positive feedback and subse- says Mr. Ryan. “Through live music, local artists and artisan food and drink, you can’t quent success afforded us through the offerings of quality food at reasonable prices go wrong celebrating an April afternoon in downtown Princeton.” has been remarkable.” continued on page 16

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 • 11

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Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 • 15

continued from page 11 David Maskello, general manager of Winberie’s Restaurant and Bar in Princeton, will be serving up a Bistro Burger with sautéed onions, applewood smoked bacon, brie cheese, and Dijon mayonnaise, as well as its vegetarian chili and slow roasted BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

“We’ve been doing this event from the beginning and it’s one of the best events the town puts on every year,” Mr. Maskello says. “It really showcases the variety of things that Princeton has to offer — food, bars, shops, businesses. It also shows the different cultures that are in the town and it does a good job of having something for everyone.”

Last year was The Peacock Inn’s first year at Communiversity and Chef Manuel Perez decided to prepare a variation of the gnocchi that he serves at the restaurant, which has been recognized as one of the top 25 dishes in New Jersey.

“For this year’s Communiversity, we will be preparing another version of our gnocchi. It will consist of Ricotta gnocchi, spring vegetables with a Parmesan butter sauce,” says Barry Sussman, proprietor of the establishment. “A liquor license became available and was offered to us this year so we decided that we were going to create a special drink for Communiversity.

We are partnering with Double Cross Vodka and mixologist Josean Rosado and will be featuring The Peacock DCO.” Other restaurants participating in Communiversity include elements, the Witherspoon Grill, Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, McCaffrey’s, D’Angelo Italian Market and Qdoba Mexican Grill.

Bair Brands will also be selling their naturally flavored drinks and there will be plenty of kid friendly food such as pizza, cotton candy and funnel cakes available.

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Paint Out Princeton Returns

Get out your paints and brush and create some art at Communiversity

By Keith Loria

A

fter the success of last year’s inaugural Paint Out Princeton at Communiversity Festival of the Arts, the event will once again welcome artists to set up an easel at one of the designated areas around town and the University to capture the moment, the mood and the magic of Communiversity.

From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 27, more than three dozen artists will claim their spot at one of the five designated locations: Hinds Plaza, Palmer Square Green, Tiger Park, stage-side at Chamber Street and at select areas along the University Campus.

“Last year we only had room for two dozen participants, but it was so popular that we have added the flexibility to accommodate whoever is interested,” says Elizabeth Murray, education director for the Arts Council of Princeton. “Those from last year provided a great diversity — from noisy street scenes to quieter things on campus — and really captured the essence of the event.”

One artist who took part in last year’s event is Mic Boekelmann, who took a spot at Hinds Plaza.

“The Paint Out is a great event because artists can engage with the community in a very direct and creative way,” she says.“For me, the best part of the Paint Out was talking to the many people who were interested in art and encouraging them to pick up drawing or painting. It’s never too late.”

Ms. Boekelmann painted a street scene of Witherspoon Street, which she could clearly see from her spot.

“I wanted to express the great energy and joy that was going on that day,” she says.

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All registered participants must begin at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts between noon and 1 p.m. to have their canvas stamped, sign a participation agreement and receive their location assignment.

Although the Art’s Council toyed with the idea last year of having some sort of Best in Show award, it was decided it would be better keeping in the spirit of Communiversity not to create competition but to provide an opportunity to display what festival painters are capable of.

“One thing new that we are doing this year is we are inviting any participant to submit their work and put it on display at the Paul Robeson Center until a closing reception on May 10,” Ms. Murray says. “We want people to come by and celebrate the creativity of these individuals.”

Additionally, those taking part in the Morven Paint Out Princeton being held the following Sunday, May 4, will have their art included in the exhibition. continued on page 24

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 • 23

continued from page 23 “We were happy to see how popular the event was last year and people all throughout Communiversity were stopping by to see what everyone was painting,” Ms. Murray says.

“Watching those at the easels capturing the moments was truly inspiring.”

Artists supply their own materials, canvas and easel. All work must be created on April 27, solely by the registered artist, on site, without any photographic or mechanical assistance. Artwork size must be no larger than 16 inches x 20 inches. Artwork may include oils, acrylics, pastels, and water media. No photography or non-paint media allowed.

“These artists are right in the middle of Communiversity, so we expect to see more work of the energy reverberating downtown —be it the architecture, or the people,” Ms. Murray says.“We really want it to be open and fun.”

Pre-Registration is required. Email your name and preferred designated location to info@artscouncilofprinceton.org.

24• April 27, 2014

Welcome to the Monothon

Anyone can help create art at Communiversity

By Keith Loria

E

ven though Communiversity Festival of the Arts seems to offer up enough thrills to last all year long, The Arts Council of Princeton continues to find ways to up the fun quotient, and this year has added the inaugural Monothon to its April 27 event.

Throughout the day, the Arts Council of Princeton will be inviting Communiversity attendees to join in to make rich colorful monotype prints Monotype printmaking is a “user friendly” form of art making that produces finished one-of-a-kind art fast. It is an art form that everyone from Degas to Picasso experimented with as it is a medium that offers exciting and unexpected results.

“It has proven to be a great way for beginning artists to find satisfactory results and experienced artists to find another layer of creativity within their creative well,” says Elizabeth Murray, education director for the Arts Council of Princeton. “We wanted to create a community art project, and this will allow people to contribute their own work to a great community effort.”

Kathleen Metaxas, an instructor at the Arts Council and a printmaker, will be leading the project.

“I have been doing monotype demos for the past couple of years at Communiversity,” Ms. Metaxes says. “This way people can actually get involved and try creating prints themselves, instead of just observing me demonstrate the process. They will be making their own art.”

“Anytime we can introduce techniques or instructors for Communiversity that we think the public will enjoy, we do so,” Ms. Murray says. “The monotype table that

Kathy has presented in years past has always been popular, and we felt this was a great way to give everyone the chance to share on a project together.”

Ms. Metaxas explains the process as follows: Using Akua Kolor non-toxic water-based inks, stencils and various tactile elements, participants will create one print. Layers of images and color will be printed on top of one another, producing a collection of collaborative prints to be displayed as one large art installation. The monotype pulled off the plate almost always has an element of surprise since the art created on the plate is flattened, squeezed and moved around when the paper is pressed into the ink. The final result on paper may look quite different than the image on the plate.

According to Ms. Murray, it is also a way to show the public that a formal printmaking studio is not necessary to do printmaking as it is a process that virtually anyone can do.

“Each person will do one layer of it and Kathy will, just when a print is done and ready to move on,” she says. “There won’t be one artist doing this solo; it’s a collaborative, collective effort. People not that knowledgeable about printmaking will come away hooked and it’s not as hard as it seems.”

By the end of the day, these prints will become a part of one large print that will become an installation at the Arts Council of Princeton.

“Hopefully folks will take home an experience that will help to inform them of the magic of monotype printmaking,” Ms. Metaxes says. “It’s just another way to enjoy what promises to be an amazing day.”

Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 • 25

Getting To/From Communiversity Festival of the Arts Parking Options for Communiversity Festival of the Arts 2014 include: • Town Parking - Parking is available, free of charge, at meters throughout town on Sunday. Additional parking is available in the town parking garages (open on Chambers Street and Spring Street) but please realize those lots may fill up quickly.

• Princeton University Parking – Princeton University parking lots are open to the public on Communiversity day. Visit www.princeton.edu/parking for University parking maps and information.

• Park & Ride Option – The owner and operator of the Princ-

26• April 27, 2014

eton Shopping Center, EDENS, is sponsoring free shuttle service to and from the event. Pick-up location is at the far end of the parking lot on the south end (Rite Aid side) of the Shopping Center. Drop-off and return location downtown is on the corner of Witherspoon and Wiggins Streets. The shuttles will be in operation from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. Look for the shuttle signage at the shuttle pick-up locations and on the sides of the shuttle buses.

Public Transportation: Or, avoid the traffic and parking hassles altogether by taking New Jersey Transit. NJ Transit has several bus routes that come through Princeton, including Montgomery-Princeton-Quakerbridge Mall, and Princeton-Plainsboro. You can find out more details at www.njtransit.com

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