DEARBORN, Michigan – Hundreds of talented Dearborn students, ranging from kindergarten to high school, will perform, display, and demonstrate their arts during the 2012 Youth in Arts Festival and opening of the 2012 Dearborn Public Schools City Wide Art Show.
This free event is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, April 25, from 4 to 8:30 pm, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., in Dearborn. The annual event is a cooperative project by the Dearborn Community Fund (DCF) and the Dearborn Public Schools. Honorary chairs for the evening are Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., DCF Chair Karen Nigosian, and Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston.
Dearborn's Ford Community and Performing Arts Center - is depicted in a painting by S. Chehab
Those attending the Youth in Arts Festival will enjoy the artwork of students participating in the all-school City Wide Art Show exhibit in the Padzieski Art Gallery. The Art Show runs from April 25 through May 28, 2012.
Two and three dimensional art will not be the only evidence of artistic ability on display. The Elementary Honors Choir, directed by Jim Walters, the Secondary Honors Choir, directed by Jennifer Pegouske, and the Dearborn High School Choir, directed by Carmelle Atkins will provide guests with outstanding vocal entertainment. In addition, the Henry Ford Community College Blue Fusion Vocal Jazz Ensemble under the direction of G. Kevin Dewey will take part in the evening’s showcase of local talent.
Rounding out this celebration of the arts will be instrumental performances by the Fordson Jazz Band conducted by Scott Guthre, the Edsel Ford High School Chamber Group conducted by Mike Kalasz, and the Maples Music Ensemble conducted by Catherine Odam-Prowse. Dearborn Youth Symphony ensemble will also perform in the theater lobby.
As a special treat, Dearborn High School Theater students will add a dramatic element to the program under the direction of Greg Viscomi, the 2011 winner of the Mayor’s Arts Award.
(See larger images in 2012 Youth in Arts Festival Part 2.)