Your ArtsQuest begins now (with SCHEDULE)

ArtsQuest returns this weekend with new emphasis on its musical side.

Now celebrating its 23rd year, the event has historically focused on the visual side of the art realm. This year brings more visuals and plenty of sound, said Jennifer Steele.

Steele is executive director of the Cultural Arts Association, under whose umbrella ArtsQuest falls.

"Music is loved by everyone and gives people more reason to come to these events if it is emphasized instead of just being in the background," she said.

Headlining and opening ArtsQuest Friday is Grammy winner Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience coming from Lafayette, La. In 2005 Simien became the first zydeco group to perform in Cuba. Steele believes the lively group lends a feel of celebration to the opening.

While here, Simien will also teach a kids' workshop on the history of zydeco.

Returning to the area to perform for the event are Larkin Poe, singer/guitarist Callaghan of Atlanta, who was well received in January at the 30A Songwriters' Fest, and blues artist Marshall Ruffin of Columbus, Ga., as well as a host of local talent.

However, ArtsQuest is still about the visual and creative arts first and foremost. This year the work of 130 artists will be shown, the most ever. Artist tents will surround Seaside's amphitheater and extend onto the Lyceum lawn and into Ruskin Place.

In addition to hanging artwork, shoppers will also find jewelry, woodwork, and handcrafted items. All are offered for sale, and just in time for Mother's Day.

Opening night, photographic and graphic design artist Chantal Martin will orchestrate a community project in the amphitheater Saturday at 8 p.m., when she uses the Holl Building wall next to Modica Market as a screen for projecting images she creates.

Public participation will be encouraged at this event.

For more information see www.culturalartsassociation.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Lyceum Stage

Creole For Kidz — 11 a.m. to 1:30p.m. — Zydeco “informance”

Kelsey Anna — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Acoustic Folk/Pop

Tennessee Firearms — 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Bluegrass

Amphitheater Stage          

Coconut String Band — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Bluegrass/Rock

Seaside Dancewave — 1:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. — Dance

Donnie Sundal — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Piano-driven Soul

Forrest Williams Band — 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Folk Rock

Public Art Project (on lawn) — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Holl Building Lawn

Shantell Martin Art Projection — 8 to 9 p.m. — Digital Art Exhibit

Ruskin Place Artist Colony

Sharon Long Class* (ages 6 and up)                — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Watercolor class

Donnelle Clark Class* (ages 15 and up) — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Stained paper class      

SUNDAY, MAY 8

Lyceum Stage

Sinfonia — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Classical

Callaghan — 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Acoustic Americana

Marshall Ruffin  — 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Blues

Amphitheater Stage

Granville Automatic Band — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Country

Seaside Dancewave — 1:45pm — Dance

Heritage — 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Reggae

Ruskin Place Artist Colony

Catherine Dickson Class* — 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Basket Weaving Class

BOTH DAYS

KidZone

Arts and crafts — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Obe District

Storytelling with Seaside Rep — 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. — Theatre/Stories

And More

Public Art Project (on the Amphitheather lawn) — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Art Demos all day by Weaver Margaret Rogers, Potter Deborah Orr and Emerald Coast Woodturners, Plein Air Painters

*Fees apply.