Downtown Sharon September 27, 2014 – 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.      MOTION

(Downtown Sharon)

 “Motion” is in recognition of our lives and the world around us.  A part of life, perceived or not, we are always moving.  Just as the earth we are walking on is moving, art is often an expression of motion.  Whether the artist uses motion in telling the story of life or situation progression, or in dance, it’s all motion.  A specific medium or song, a story unfolds.  WaterFire Sharon highlights the motion of the river and volunteers who glide down the river to a dark backdrop, tending to the blazing fires.  The fire performers twirl fire in directions and speeds that leave us mesmerized. Visitors move through the streets as artists create. Visit our many art and craft vendors that represent the best of our region, and engage our artists throughout the city as they create their art right in front of you. Visit one of our many food vendors, enjoy the music provided on our Main stage and share in the laughter and awe of our street performers, and lastly, enjoy the beauty of WaterFire and all of its’ splendor as it touches all of your senses – from the visual of the 55 burning bonfires that dance and reflect off of the Shenango River, the sounds of an eclectic mix of music from all over the world and the scent of burning cedar and pine wood that add an appealing fragrance to the night air. WaterFire is an artistic endeavor that was created by artist Barnaby Evans in Providence, R.I., in the early 1990s. Evans created an evening event that would bring people into the downtown area to see lit bonfires on the river.  A complete immersion of the senses, “WaterFire Sharon” was brought to the Shenango River in downtown Sharon during the summers of 2013 and 2014.  Five successful events have brought 100,000 visitors to the experience.  This unique and beautiful art installation can be seen in only a few cities around the world.

1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.              WaterFire Artisan and Craftsmen Festival

 (State Street)

State Street will be lined with artisans and craftsmen selling their wares and exhibiting, sharing and talking about their creative talents.  Many mediums will be on display – pottery, digital arts, glassware, metal-works, jewelry, handmade clothing, painting, photography and much more.  Take a pleasant stroll up and down State Street and appreciate and support some of the finest artisans and craftsmen of our region.

1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.              Multi-Media Artist – Michael Long

(East State Street by Army/Navy)

Michael Long is a Central Pennsylvania based artist and demonstrator that works in multi-media sculpture, painting and assemblage.  Michael again brings his talents to WaterFire Sharon where he will create a one of a kind art piece specifically for WaterFire.  Check out Michael throughout the day, and monitor his progress from start to finish.  Michael is generously donating the piece to WaterFire, and we will offer it to the highest bidder at the end of the day through a silent auction. What a great way to support WaterFire, and acquire a one of a kind, fantastic art piece!  Michael’s work is currently on display at the Westmorland Museum of American Art along with various galleries, museums and private and permanent collections. He is a member of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and currently known for his large scale permanent installation project at the Station Medical Center Altoona, PA.

1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.              Raku Firing 

(Circle K Pottery – East State Street)

Try your hand at a “make and take” project at the pottery decorating and glazing exhibit.  Purchase your favorite piece, glaze and decorate it and then watch it fired in the Raku kiln.  See Raku firing demonstrations in the evening which becomes a beautiful spectacle in the dark. Raku is a type of firing process inspired by traditional Japanese Raku firing and involves removing the pottery from the hot kiln and placing it into containers with combustible materials which produces interesting patterns and vibrant colors. Make a piece or just watch – either way it is a must see!

1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.              Hope and Dreams Tiles

 (Circle K Pottery – East State Street)

Sculpt a commemorative tile with your hopes and dreams that will be included in a public art project located at the Community Action Partnership building in downtown Sharon. Make one or several tiles – once the project is completed, your tile(s) will become a part of a special mural that exhibits how our community can come together through the arts.  This project is being led by Endowment for the Arts, a not for profit arts fund established through the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                 Children’s Art and Activities Tent

(Primary Health Network Parking Lot on Chestnut)

The Children’s programming for WaterFire Sharon will focus on scientific discovery and old school fun as diverse community organizations come together to provide educational play experiences for our younger visitors. Students and faculty from Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) and Youngstown State University will set the tone with various science laboratories and play stations.   In keeping with the WaterFire theme of MOTION, the Tiger Techs Robotics Team from Sharon City School District will share their talents in our Children’s Art and Activities Tent. Come check out the mobile robotics lab featuring NXT-Mindstorm robots, a FIRST LEGO League playing field table, and several hands-on computer stations where team members from the Tiger Techs will be on hand to guide the curiosities of future engineers in programming these robots. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t an expert in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, the Tiger Techs Robotics Teams are sure to teach you a few steps in getting these robots in motion! Come join in the fun under the big tent!

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.                 Alpaca Petting Zoo 

(Bicentennial Park)

Children of all ages will enjoy the Alpaca Petting Zoo located in Bicentennial Park.  Walter Wolanin likes sharing his animals with the public, letting people pet them, feed them and learn more about them. Also, be sure to check out the Caleb Solomon and Lightening Show.  Lightening is a golden retriever who loves to do tricks. Enjoy a stroll along the Bicentennial Park river path, and be sure to stop by and say hello to Walter, Caleb and their animals.

1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.                 Wendell August Forge

 (James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)

Wendell August Forge is America’s oldest and largest forge, producing hand-wrought ornamental metal-ware and elegant giftware.  The heritage art of the Wendell August Forge is preserved by the company’s artisans and craftsmen, who use the original eight step process to produce every heirloom piece in aluminum, bronze, pewter, sterling silver, and other metals.  Wendell August forgers will be on hand for demonstrations and your children can try their hand at an interactive forging experience. Be sure to check out the beautiful, handcrafted WaterFire merchandise, created exclusively for WaterFire Sharon.

1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.                          Marketplace and Elements Lounge

 (James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center)

The Marketplace, located in the James. E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center provides an indoor venue for artists, craft items and other unique vendors. Also, be sure to visit a special art exhibit from Elaine Defibaugh. Originally from New Castle, PA., and now splitting her time between galleries in NYC and Miami, Defibaugh’s work focuses on large format colorful abstract painting inspired from landscape. You may also want to visit a couple of our local wineries that will be sharing their craft – Nova Cellars and Fractured Grape. Starting at 6:00 p.m. and running through the evening visit the Elements Lounge for a relaxing atmosphere that includes music featuring The RiverSaints, dancing, wine and a cash bar.

10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.              Ekker Sports Autograph Collection

(Community Library of the Shenango Valley)

For the sports enthusiasts, be sure to check out the amazing Ekker Sports Autograph collection.  This wonderful collection boasts nine display cases of over 600 autographs inscribed on a wide array of college and professional sports items.

2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.           Historical Walking Tour

(Donna’s Diner – 10 West State Street)

Meet in front of Donna’s Diner at 2:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a historical walking tour of downtown Sharon. Join members of the Sharon Beautification Commission and Sharon Historical Society and listen to stories of the rich history of downtown Sharon.  Learn about the buildings along the river, the old high school on South Water and the South Flats area of town before and during the redevelopment in the 70’s. You will stroll along the banks of the Shenango and into Bicentennial Park where you will learn about the history of the park – past, present and future.  A picture book will be handed out to all walkers.

11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.              Historical Hubs

(Tickled/Haitian Sensation, James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center and Apollo Maennerchor)

Our historical hubs will tell the story of how MOTION helped build the Shenango Valley.  Our beautiful Shenango River provided first passage to the many towns that built along its banks. The Erie Extension Canal and the railroads a half century later further advanced commerce and settlement. See the role of transportation within the history of the Shenango Valley and the lore of its namesake watershed. Trace our regional story by visiting historical displays at Tickled at 110 East State Street and the second and third floors of the James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center. A special display of the local beer history of the Shenango Valley and region can be found at the Apollo Maennerchor Club.

6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.                 Traditional Native American Blessing

 (Shenango River)

Leon Sam Briggs, is enrolled Tonawanda Seneca whose native name is H oya’degay hus – (he helps always) hawk clan.  In 2004, he was ordained as a spiritual leader of the American Metis Aboriginal Association.   Briggs will perform a traditional blessing called “smudging” at WaterFire on August 23. During the blessing, which will occur on the river – tobacco, sage, cedar and herbs are spread on the river in a sacred way, giving thanks for the gifts that come from the water and beneath the surface that nourish us, and give us strength that we can provide for our families.  By giving these offerings as an exchange, we are giving the most sacred gifts from the Creator.  The “smudging” is an offering of our prayers to the Creator through the smoke that rises to the sky world in respect to all creation – nya’weh (thank you).Briggs is also a consultant/speaker with the Red Bird Center at their program Unity Gathering –a Trauma Recovery event for individuals and families who have suffered trauma and loss.  Their focus is on the “Indigenous Healing Model” that restores the spirit and brings unity and connection within communities. Additionally, Briggs works in the traditional arts of beading, quill and leather work.

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.              WaterFire Sharon Lighting and Torch Procession

 (Shenango River between Connelly Boulevard and Silver Street Bridges)

As we celebrate MOTION, we recognize the physical movement of the boats on the flowing river, the flickering flames dancing above the water, the friendly passer-by and warm recognition of neighbors and visitors.  We also recognize the motion of our hearts and minds as we listen to the lovely and entrancing music, witness the beauty of fire on water, and reflect on our sense of community, belonging and shared experience. Representatives from the many social services of our community, along with students, teachers and administrators of our region’s schools will light the way in our torch procession. Lighting the ceremonial orb are First Lady Susan Corbett – a strong supporter and promoter of the arts in Pennsylvania, along with Lori Weston – Executive Director of the Community Food Warehouse. The enchanting WaterFire music will begin just before dusk and the captivating torch procession and lighting ceremony will begin shortly after 7:00 p.m.  Live performances will feature Brianna Bojewski and Daniel Alan Hogan. WaterFire Sharon is pleased to welcome back world renowned fire performer SPOGGA.  As always, a few surprises await – enjoy the last WaterFire of the season!