FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2011

Pueblo—As National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman has noted, “Art works everywhere,” which is why the NEA’s Challenge America Fast-Track (CAFT) program supports projects from primarily small and mid-sized arts organizations that extend the reach of the arts to underserved audiences—those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Pueblo Performing Arts Guild (PPAG) was selected to receive one of the 162 grants of $10,000 awarded to organizations in 46 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Taken together, these Challenge America Fast-Track grants provide an extraordinary sampling of the work that arts organizations do to reach underserved communities,” said Chairman Landesman. “With these grants, we are helping to ensure that art works for all Americans.”

PPAG plans to create a multi-use creative industry facility that strengthens our community and enhances the economic impact of creative industry in Pueblo.  The 2012 Challenge America Fast-Track Grant will fund Phase III of our project with completion of the schematic design and design plans.  Drawing from the needs expressed by our membership and community artists which include: (1) access to rehearsal and performance space, (2) support through shared operating expenses, and (3) increased promotion, support, and collaboration for the arts in our community, the PPAG board of directors envisions a multi-purpose facility that achieves these goals.   As well, through PPAG’s participation in government and civic planning meetings that address downtown development, there is broad support and a clearly-defined opportunity for this project to be a major catalyst in the downtown revitalization pr

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2011

PUEBLO‐ Have you thought about dancing or singing but needed more information and didn’t know where to look?  The Pueblo Performing Arts Guild (PPAG) has solved this problem for you, no more reasons to put off finding your “inner art.” On July 13^th, from 3-6pm PPAG will host the first annual Creative Arts Info Fair at the Rawlings Library, 100 E. Abriendo. Over twenty artists and organizations will be present and everyone is invited to learn about the many types of art and creative industry in Pueblo.  There will be information about classes, performances, performers/artists for hire, auditions, and more ways to be connected to the arts.  The event is free and all ages are welcome.

Have you heard that recent studies show kids who participate in the arts are higher achievers at school? Now you can find out the many possibilities available to children in Pueblo to experience the wonders of the arts.  Perhaps you are searching for a way to unleash your creative spirit.  You’ll be able to find out about knitting, pottery, stained glass, felting, juggling, and so much more.  All artists need an audience and there will be plenty of information about how you can buy tickets, hire a singing telegram, or have a musician at your next party.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2011

Adventures begin at Pueblo’s First Friday Art Walk

PUEBLO‐ Pueblo’s First Friday Art Walk is a great way to begin your adventures for the 4^th of July Weekend.  Artists are ready to show you a great time in one of the 19 gallery locations.  You can create your own free walking tour by starting at one gallery, picking up a guide, and traveling on to your next destination after mingling with the artists. The art galleries will be open for extended hours beginning at 5:00 pm on July 1^st.  Artists will be exhibiting newly hung shows, serving refreshments, and hosting live entertainment.  All activities associated with Pueblo’s First Friday Art Walk are free.

Pueblo’s First Friday Art Walk offers visitors more than paintings, photography, fiber arts, sculpture, glass, and pottery.  Many galleries have special demonstrations of “live art activities”, and visitors are treated to live music and entertainment in galleries and restaurants. You can enjoy street performances at the corner of Union Avenue and C Street by Hometown Circus Clowns, Silly Lilly and RJ the Clown, plus musician Jake Sewell.  Visitors should allow extra time to explore the art on the Riverwalk and take a boat ride, and perhaps also squeeze in a meal at one of Pueblo’s excellent local restaurants.  There’s something for everyone to discover.

The fun continues as the sun goes down with The Moving Wall Project. The Wall silently exhibits classic and experimental films in a variety of settings around town. These guerilla-style filmsters randomly pick a building somewhere in downtown Pueblo and display films on its walls. If you’re interested, you can only find the Moving Wall by stumbling upon it, or by becoming a Fan of the Pueblo Performing Arts Guild on Facebook.

For a complete map of locations and updated activities visit www.PuebloPAG.org before your visit.  Of course, you’re welcome to enjoy Pueblo’s arts every day.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2011

Street Beat Performers Entertaining All Summer

PUEBLO‐ This summer Pueblo will be host to a unique outdoor arts scene—Street Beat, Summer Arts Festival. Musicians, entertainers, and visual artists will enchant Downtown Pueblo and the Riverwalk with free street performances.  Your ticket to fun in Downtown Pueblo takes place from June through October, Wednesdays 11am-1pm and 6-8pm; Thursdays 5-8pm at the Riverwalk Farmers’ Market; Fridays 6-8pm; Saturdays 11am-1pm and 3-8pm. Schedule details are available at PuebloPAG.org.

A diverse group of local performers auditioned for Street Beat in May.  The selected crew of Street Beat performers includes musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, clowns, and circus acts.  The musical talents of Jordon Smart, Adrian Hernandez, Becca Klock, Theo DeCenzo, and Monkey Pie will be featured throughout the summer.  Joining the musicians will be singers and dancers from Upon a Star Entertainers and the Steel City Theater Company.  As well, the clown antics of Q-Ball the Clown, RJ the Clown, and Silly Lilly will captivate all ages.  Adele Aguilar will cap off the diversity of arts with Victorian Storytelling.

“Street Beat is certainly an alternative style festival,” says Susan Fries, Executive Director of the Pueblo Performing Arts Guild, “rather than choosing one day or weekend we’re treating the whole summer as a canvas for a festival atmosphere.  Community members and tourists will be able to experience performance art any time they are in the downtown Riverwalk area during Street Beat hours.  With the partnership and sponsorship of the program from the Urban Renewal Authority of Pueblo, our goal is to enrich the experience of shoppers and tourists in downtown Pueblo to increase economic development in the area.  Although this is a new idea to Pueblo, performance art programs are used by many different communities with outstanding results for spurring economic development.”

The Street Beat program is sponsored by Urban Renewal Authority of Pueblo, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project Authority, and Bingo Burger.

The Pueblo Performing Arts Guild promotes the production, enjoyment, and collaboration of the arts for the purposes of economic development and an enriched quality of life in Pueblo.

‐Pueblo Performing Arts Guild-

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