QUEENS — Kew Gardens residents will get a chance to meet local artists, take a sneak peek at a new neighborhood bookstore and learn about the city's composting program expanding to the area in October, during this weekend's arts festival, the organizers said.
The annual Kew Gardens Community Arts Day, in its fifth year, will take over a portion of Lefferts Boulevard and Austin Street on Sunday, offering a variety of activities for children, teens and adults alike, the organizers said.
An art fair, showcasing local painters, potters, photographers, glassmakers, jewelry artists, illustrators and fiber artists, will be at the center of the festival.
Throughout the day, sidewalk chalk artists will be transforming local streets into colorful designs, the Kew Gardens Musicians will perform in Kew Gardens Cinemas Park and in the so called "Art Zone," locals will get to channel their inner Picasso by practicing various forms of art.
"There are lots of talented artists in this diverse community, Kew Gardens, and all over Queens," said Carol Lacks, one of the organizers. "Our aim is for everyone to have a happy day, while sharing community, arts and culture."
A representative from the city’s Department of Sanitation will also be present, providing information about its new recycling Initiative expanding to Kew Gardens in October.
New bookstore "Kew & Willow Books," which will most likely open at 8163 Lefferts Blvd. later this month, will host a children's story time and other activities throughout the day, while also selling books.
“Expect an open and welcoming, very professional art show with a small town feel,” the organizers wrote in an email sent out to local residents.
The event, organized by the Kew Gardens Council for Recreation & the Arts, Inc., will take place this Sunday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Rain Date: Oct. 1).
