AROUND TOWN

Baldwin’s First Summer Arts Festival draws out hundreds

Locals come out to take in art, food, music and the summer sun

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Hundreds attended the first Baldwin Summer Arts Festival, sponsored by the Baldwin Civic Association, on Sat, July 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baldwin Community Garden, 1980 Grand Avenue.

The event hosted over twenty artists and craftspeople representing a variety of media, including Divinegirls Boutique that sold handmade items from designers in Peru, Venezuela, and Turkey, among other countries, Tyeland that offered women's clothing and accessories with a global perspective, KST Distributors that had miniature replica basses, guitars and drum kits, among others.

Jonathan van Brunt, who set up a tent with original landscape paintings, said that it was great to connect with the neighborhood, “It was an opportunity to not only promote the artwork, but also promote the local Long Island sites.” Van Brunt published his book, “Painting the Other Long Island” available on Amazon, which showcases Nassau County.

Mark Prevatt, a Baldwin 27-year resident, who brought his art-inclined 14-year-old daughter to the event said, “It’s important for us to celebrate the creativity of our friends and neighbors, … It was truly refreshing to see young people like “The Soap Kid” and the young ladies from “Healing Blue Lotus,” which shows that there’s still multigenerational enthusiasm for the creative arts.”

Event coordinator Steven Greenfield for the BCA said, “We were pleased with the quality of the artists.” He also congratulated Sara Hill, the coordinator of vendor recruitment, for her work, he stated, “Sara did an exceptional job locating the vendors and placing them in the beautiful garden space.”

In addition to the crafts, three live musical acts performed in the afternoon. Guitarist and singer Matt Ponsot, Luke Waldron Jazz Trio, sponsored by the 3-D Community Empowerment Center in Baldwin, and Toby Tobias Ensemble Toby Tobias Trio, sponsored by the Baldwin Public Library, which also provided a craft table for children’s participation.

Three food trucks, including from S&T Smokehouse BBQ and The No Good Burger Joint, will be on hand to provide delicious food, drinks, and desserts.

“We are pleased the BCA can promote beautiful local events with broad appeal in cooperation with other community organizations, and provide an economic win-win for small businesses and community alike” concluded Darien Ward, President of the BCA.

County Executive Laura Curran and Leg. Debra Young Mulé visited the Garden and toured the craft booth tents. Leg. Mulé stated, “The Baldwin Civic Association and their partners brought the community garden alive on a hot summer day with great music, food, and art.”