NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release January 13, 2011

Contact: Maria Costello, Artpark Communications Coordinator

716-754-9000 ext 132, [email protected]

Artpark Inviting Schools, Scouts, Artists, To Create Fairy Houses

Be a part of exciting new family event!

(Lewiston, NY)  Artpark is seeking local schools, scout groups, regional artists, and families to create fairy houses for display at Artpark’s new Fairy House Festival on June 5, 2011. The Fairy House Festival will feature a tour of fairy houses throughout the woods and gardens of the park, a book signing by children’s book author Tracy Kane, art activities and other ‘natural’ fun for families to enjoy. Tickets for the festival are $5 and can be purchased in advance at www.artpark.net or by calling 716-754-4375.

            Fairy houses are small structures built from sticks, dry grasses, leaves, pinecones, and other found natural materials. The simple challenge of creating a fairy house connects children with nature and encourages respect for the environment. Building guidelines, applications and photos of fairy houses can be found at www.artpark.net. The application deadline is February 15, 2011, although completed houses may be submitted at a later date.

In conjunction with the Festival, Artpark will be featuring the artist-created houses in an extended exhibit beyond the festival date. Artist houses will be juried by staff members of Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. The selected houses and one $250 Grand Prize winner will be exhibited at the Castellani Museum from July 17-August 21. All other artist created houses may opt to be put on display at the Burchfield Nature & Art Center.

For more information on the Fairy House Festival and how to enter, please visit www.artpark.net or call 716-754-4375.

The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company, Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation under a License agreement.

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