It is almost time for the 2019 Block of Art. This year the Block of Art is working with the Pottsville revitalization effort and transforming itself into a full street festival on Saturday, May 4th. An opening welcoming reception will be held Friday, May 3rd.
Block of Art is a free, family friendly arts festival that showcases our local artistic talent, brings people together and is filled with fun. At this year’s Block of Art you can see art. You can hear art. You can taste art. Children will also be making art. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase art at our annual art auction, as well as from artist vendors directly or at one of the many pop up art galleries. Some of the wonderful experiences that await you include: art galleries, live music, a special children’s art center, folk art, authors, theatre and much more.
On Friday night we will have an opening reception at the Pottsville Senior Center, 201 N. Centre St., featuring live entertainment and an artist meet and greet. Art galleries along Centre Street with many of our local artists will be open to welcome you. And those who will be in downtown Pottsville for the very first Food Truck Friday are encouraged to explore the art galleries as well.
On Saturday a street arts festival will take place on Centre Street between Market Street and Laurel Boulevards. There will be a children’s art maker tent, lots of galleries, live music, theatre, authors, vendors, food and fun. The children’s art maker tent will feature many local art organizations and Ibiyinka Alao, the Nigerian Art ambassador. This is a family friendly event. No alcohol will be available on the street. But, of course, our wonderful downtown restaurants will be open through the entire event with additional food and drink options.
In addition to our central location we will have a John O’Hara walking tour and a self-guided tour to view several of our local churches’ magnificent windows. We will continue our annual scavenger hunt through local art galleries not on the street for a drawing for a great prize. Our many concurrent partners will also have events for you including our historical society, library, senior center and others.
And it is all free for you and your family. Come and see the downtown that is reinventing itself, and the talent that surrounds us.