ARTS 6 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014 BORO: What is the Astoria Art Festival? Lizabeth Nieves: The Astoria Art Festival is a week-ish—we extended to nine days this year—Art Festival that showcases artists in Queens throughout the venues in Astoria. BORO: How many artists are participating this year? LN: sixty-three BORO: In how many venues can the art be seen? LN: thirty-four BORO: In what ways has the festival grown since its inception? LN: Since its inception, the festival has extended longer than a weekend, and has tripled in artists, venues, and volunteers. The artists are coming from a larger variety of neighborhoods, and the events have grown in size and variety. This year we are hosting our first art walk on Saturday October 18th with host Shaun Fletcher, and October 11th we are hosting an all day music festival with artists and vendors. BORO: What impact do you hope the festival is making? LN: My hope would be for the festival to reach every neighborhood in Queens as far as submissions and attendance. I would also love to see art on display year round at more venues in Astoria. BORO: Any newcomers we should keep our eyes on? LN: The art showcased this year I think has the greatest variety and talent thus far. My personal favorites are being showcased at the opening party at Front Toward Enemy on October 10th. Mario Savinon, Jardley Jean-Louis, Kaiser Kamal, Sean Hopkins and Sandra Vucicevic. BORO: What are a few venues that you could recommend for viewing art year round? LN: Year round? Vesta, Pachanga Patterson, Astoria Park Wine and Spirits, Pop Bar, and Fatty’s are some of my favorites that consistently showcase local talent. 3rd Annual The Astoria Art Festival commences this week, and the third year of events is clearly set to surpass the previous festivals. This year features an art walk, a festival of bands, and over sixty artists showcasing their artwork at thirty-four venues throughout Astoria. BORO’s own Lizabeth Nieves is the brains behind this incredible celebration of the creative minds of our neighborhood. So of course we touched base with the talented photographer and writer to get the inside scoop. caitlin allen liz van buren
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