WaterFire Sharon ELEMENTS Event Schedule
Downtown Sharon July 19, 2014 – 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. ELEMENTS
(Downtown Sharon)
Whether referring to the elements of art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value and color), or any category that makes up life, the “Elements“ theme celebrates not only the elements that create water and fire, but all fine and performing arts, the artists who create them, and the visitors who appreciate them. Visit our many art and craft vendors that represent the best of our region, and engage our artists throughout the city as they create their art right in front of you. Visit one of our many food vendors, enjoy the music provided on our two performance stages, share in the laughter and awe of our street performers, and lastly, enjoy the beauty of WaterFire and all of its’ splendor as it touches all of your senses – from the visual of the 55 burning bonfires that dance and reflect off of the Shenango River, the sounds of an eclectic mix of music from all over the world and the scent of burning cedar and pine wood that add an appealing fragrance to the night air. WaterFire is an artistic endeavor that was created by artist Barnaby Evans in Providence, R.I., in the early 1990s. Evans created an evening event that would bring people into the downtown area to see lit bonfires on the river. A complete immersion of the senses, “WaterFire Sharon” was brought to the Shenango River in downtown Sharon during the summer of 2013. Three successful events brought 70,000 visitors to the experience. This unique and beautiful art installation can be seen in only a few cities around the world.
11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. WaterFire Artisan and Craftsmen Festival
(State Street)
State Street will be lined with artisans and craftsmen selling their wares and exhibiting, sharing and talking about their creative talents. Many mediums will be on display – pottery, digital arts, glassware, metal-works, jewelry, handmade clothing, painting, photography and much more. Take a pleasant stroll up and down State Street and appreciate and support some of the finest artisans and craftsmen of our region.
11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Multi-Media Artist – Michael Long
(Columbia Theater Park – West State Street)
Michael Long is a Central Pennsylvania based artist and demonstrator that works in multi-media sculpture, painting and assemblage. Michael brings his talents to WaterFire Sharon where he will create a one of a kind art piece specifically for WaterFire. Check out Michael throughout the day, and monitor his progress from start to finish. Michael is generously donating the piece to WaterFire, and we will offer it to the highest bidder at the end of the day through a silent auction. What a great way to support WaterFire, and acquire a one of a kind, fantastic art piece! Michael’s work is currently on display at the Westmorland Museum of American Art along with various galleries, museums and private and permanent collections. He is a member of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and currently known for his large scale permanent installation project at the Station Medical Center Altoona, PA.
11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Raku Firing
(Circle K Pottery – East State Street)
Try your hand at a “make and take” project at the pottery decorating and glazing exhibit. Purchase your favorite piece, glaze and decorate it and then watch it fired in the Raku kiln. See Raku firing demonstrations in the evening which becomes a beautiful spectacle in the dark. Raku is a type of firing process inspired by traditional Japanese Raku firing and involves removing the pottery from the hot kiln and placing it into containers with combustible materials which produces interesting patterns and vibrant colors. Make a piece or just watch – either way it is a must see!
11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Hope and Dreams Tiles
(Circle K Pottery – East State Street)
Sculpt a commemorative tile with your hopes and dreams that will be included in a public art project located at the Community Action Partnership building in downtown Sharon. Make one or several tiles – once the project is completed, your tile(s) will become a part of a special mural that exhibits how our community can come together through the arts. This project is being led by Endowment for the Arts, a not for profit arts fund established through the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. En Plein Air
(Downtown Sharon)
En Plein Air is a French expression which means “in the open air” and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Artists have long painted outdoors, but in the mid 19th century working in natural light became particularly important to the Barbizon School and impressionism. The popularity of outdoor painting has endured throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. Stroll the streets of downtown Sharon and the banks of the Shenango River during the day, and experience En Plein Air in person, as artists from our region paint, sketch, mold, and surprise and share their amazing talents.
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Children’s Art and Activities Tent
(Primary Health Network Parking Lot on Chestnut)
The Children’s programming for WaterFire Sharon will focus on scientific discovery and old school fun as diverse community organizations come together to provide educational play experiences for our younger visitors. Students and faculty from Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) and Youngstown State University will set the tone with various science laboratories and play stations. Children can run experiments in Chemistry, Geology, Genetics, Kinesthetics and Engineering. Join in some old fashion games in Fun with Dick and Jane, become part of the artwork in Chalk It Up, create your own toy with a Single Sheet of Paper, contribute your talents to the Community Art Project and become a real live story character in Readers Theater. Come join in the fun under the big tent!
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wendell August Forge
(James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)
Wendell August Forge is America’s oldest and largest forge, producing hand-wrought ornamental metal-ware and elegant giftware. The heritage art of the Wendell August Forge is preserved by the company’s artisans and craftsmen, who use the original eight step process to produce every heirloom piece in aluminum, bronze, pewter, sterling silver, and other metals. Wendell August forgers will be on hand for demonstrations and your children can try their hand at an interactive forging experience. Be sure to check out the beautiful, handcrafted WaterFire merchandise, created exclusively for WaterFire Sharon.
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Marketplace and Elements Lounge
6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)
The Marketplace, located in the James. E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center provides an indoor venue for food vendors and artists as well as those with craft items, collectibles, antiques, commercial and buy/sell items. Be sure to stop in for a break from the summer sun. Starting at 6:30 p.m. and running through the evening visit the Elements Lounge on the third floor for a relaxing atmosphere that includes arts, crafts, food and music by “Soundbite”.
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Local Farmer’s Market
(South Water and West State)
Visit downtown Sharon early and buy the freshest, locally raised produce in the area. Farmer market nutritional program vouchers are accepted. Come early for the best selection!
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Ekker Sports Autograph Collection/Children’s Activities/Book Sale
(Community Library of the Shenango Valley)
For the sports enthusiasts, be sure to check out the amazing Ekker Sports Autograph collection. This wonderful collection boasts nine display cases of over 600 autographs inscribed on a wide array of college and professional sports items. Children can explore the Elements through crafts and activities at the Community Library of the Shenango Valley. Make a pinwheel, roast a marshmallow, or create a turtle from a rock. The library will be holding these children’s activities and more. The library will also be hosting a used book sale – stop by and stock up on your summer reading material!
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Birds of Prey Exhibition
(East State Street and Vine Avenue)
Birds of prey have long been revered for their speed, strength and accuracy. Master Falconer Barry Davidson will showcase these beautiful birds and talk about the hobby and sport of falconry. See these magnificent birds up close. These family appropriate presentations will take place between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Seating and standing room only will be limited for each presentation based on the falconers’ discretion.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Historical Walking Tour
(Downtown Sharon)
Meet at the State Street Bridge at 2:00 p.m. and enjoy a historical walking tour of downtown Sharon. Join members of the Sharon Beautification Commission and Sharon Historical Society and listen to stories of the rich history of downtown Sharon. You will learn about the grand old buildings – their original builders, tenants and uses over these many years. Imagine the cable cars that used to travel down State Street, the floods that came over the banks of the Shenango, and the bustling crowds of shoppers that preceded the eras of malls and strip plazas.
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Historical Hubs
(110 East State Street and 514 Sharpsville Avenue)
In 1835 “block” or “flint” coal was discovered on Sharon’s West Hill at the property of General Joel B. Curtis. This was a new find in the United States, and this type of coal was perfect for the manufacturing process that would come to be known as Pig Iron. Soon after this discovery, foundry, factory and employment followed, and the Shenango Valley would play a substantial role in the industrial revolution. Trace the story of industry in our region by visiting historical displays at Redeemed/Tickled at 110 East State Street and Billy’s Black and Gold (next to shuttle parking) at 514 Sharpsville Avenue.
8:50 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. WaterFire Sharon Lighting and Torch Procession
(Shenango River between Connelly Boulevard and Silver Street Bridges)
As we celebrate ELEMENTS, we recognize how our region consists of so many great elements that have joined together to become one community. Representatives from the many municipalities of Mercer County, and across our friendly border into Ohio will light the way in our torch procession. Lighting the ceremonial orb are Paul and Tina O’Brien – boundless supporters and untiring volunteers in our community and of WaterFire. The enchanting WaterFire music will begin just before dusk and the captivating torch procession and lighting ceremony will begin at 9:00 p.m. Live performances will feature the Bojewski Singers from Erie. Brianna, 22, recently returned from a college internship at Walt Disney World, where she was a singer and performer. Chelsea, 20, recently returned from Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied vocal performance. Blake, 18, has recently graduated from Fairview High School. He has been accepted at Berklee College of Music for vocal performance and songwriting. WaterFire Sharon is pleased to welcome world renowned fire performer SPOGGA. SPOGGA is known for his breathtaking skills and is often seen in Providence (where WaterFire was created) performing at their lightings. SPOGGA will dazzle the crowd and help us light up the night!
