IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Kaleidoscope arts festival offers University/Main Street medley

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – One end of Slippery Rock to the other will become a colorful canvas for artistry and outdoor activities when Kaleidoscope, Slippery Rock University’s arts festival, takes to the streets April 18-29. Organizers expanded the festival this year to include venues in town to complement an array of performances and exhibits across campus.

The fun includes plays, a brass ensemble, dance concerts, “Shakespeare’s Birthday Dinner” and a Native-American sculpture exhibit. 

“In previous years, the festival was limited to campus. This year our students and visiting artists will entertain across town,” said Rachela Permenter, English professor and festival chair. “It’s an exciting collaboration and will provide a vital link between the community and University.”

SRU’s College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts launched Kaleidoscope six years ago to bring greater awareness and appreciation of the arts to campus and the wider community. More than 5,000 attended last year.

Festival highlights include visits by Harvey Pekar, author of “American Splendor,” folksinger John McCutcheon, children’s author R.L Stine and Huang Xiang, a Chinese dissident poet who will paint a building in town. Stine, who wrote the famous “Goosebumps” and “Rotten School” series, will sign books 3 p.m. April 21 at the University Union. His “Rotten School” series of books will be available for purchase.

“Kaleidoscope on Main” day April 28 includes a sculpture exhibit, live music at the town gazebo, a quilt show, artist market, the one-man play “Father’s and Sons” and a chicken barbecue.

Children’s Day is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 21 on the lawn in front of the Russell Wright Alumni House. All children’s day events are free. They include storytelling, art activities, children’s dance theater, art with members of the Slippery Rock Sliders baseball team, a talent show and a shuttle to Earth Day events at the Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research. 

For the complete Kaleidoscope schedule, go to http://www.sru.edu/pages/1427.asp

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.