Festival Of Arts

Carolyn Paradzinski (left) and Mary Beth Anderson of the Blue Ridge Christian School explain that, in addition to her two pieces, “Prince of Peace” and “Father, Forgive Them,” Kramarik also donated two signed books detailing her life story. (Photo by Aimee George)

An abundance of art, musical acts, cuisine, a rousing auction and a cupcake raffle will tempt the senses at the Festival of Arts on March 14.

Hosted by the Blue Ridge Christian School, festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Kline Campus Center on the Bridgewater College campus.

“We want to use this festival as an opportunity to partner with and bless the community, showcase local Christian artists, businesses, restaurants and to also heighten the awareness of the Blue Ridge Christian School,” says Mary Beth Anderson, Volunteer and Events Coordinator at BRCS.

Art And Eats

Among the evening’s activities, a “Meet the Chefs” event will kick off at 5:30 p.m., offering a chance to sample local cuisine. A Bowl of Good, Buttercream Dreams and Grilled Cheese Mania, are just few of the local eateries planning to offer services.

At 6:45 p.m., bidding will begin at an art auction, which will showcase more than 20 pieces of 2-D and 3-D art.

“We tried to get something for everyone’s taste — pottery, wood sculpture, stained glass, pencil drawings, watercolors, acrylics,” says Carolyn Paradzinski, development director at BRCS.

“We want to use this opportunity to partner with local artists to benefit each other,” says Anderson. She explains that many of the artisans appreciate the event because it gives them an opportunity to display their work while benefiting BRCS.

“Forty-two percent of our students receive scholarships,” says Paradzinski regarding the importance of fundraising. Proceeds are used for “tuition assistance, as well as implementing new programs ...

“And what many do not know is that we are an interdenominational school, so we raise all of our funds; we don’t receive the funds from one particular church.”

Paintings By Prodigy

Another feature of the evening is work by Akiane Kramarik — an internationally known child prodigy. Her donations include two paintings — “Prince of Peace” and “Father, Forgive Them” — both valued at more than $3,000.

“Her pieces go for millions. And, in addition to her paintings, she also donated two signed books of her life story,” says Paradzinski.

Local artists donating works for the festival include P. Buckley Moss, Ken Schuler, W. Allen Berkshire, Cindy Greene Rosen and more.

BRCS hopes that seeing and hearing from local artists of faith will inspire students to continue to pursue the arts.

“For us at BRCS, we are not just focused on strong academics. We focus on the arts in all forms — from musical to tangible forms of art,” says Paradzinski.

For more information, call (540) 828-2233 or visit brcschool.org to order tickets.
 

Contact Aimee George at  (540) 574-6292 or ageorge@dnronline.com.