This is one of the biggest parties of the year and the setting can’t be beat.

Join us at Clift Park in Skaneateles!  DHC will perform from 8:00 to 10:00 PM.

The program, moderated by actress and CNY arts leader, Laura Austin, was held March 5 at The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles.

The two discussed Brewster’s art and her business. She then took questions from the audience.

“SKARTS launched this new series to feature local artists and thought leaders in our community,” says Joe Strodel, Jr. the organization’s president. “Each Creative Conversation will feature a thought-leader moderator conversing with an artist, musician, performer or writer. The audience will explore how artists create, live and draw inspiration.”

Since signing her first book contract at the age of 25, Brewster has illustrated more than 34 books. Working in pencil, watercolor and gouache, she has developed a style that is immediately recognizable and highly prized. Her drawings have been featured on greeting cards, holiday ornaments and other products.

In 2008, Brewster formed her own company to create a line of handmade sculptures. Today, the company, of which she is the sole creative force, has sales around the world.

“Sometimes, a passion or a person has a strong hold on my consciousness and that transforms into a drawing,” Brewster says.

Austin is a founder and associate artistic director of Redhouse Arts Center. In 2003, she developed and implemented the Redhouse Capital Campaign, which raised $1.4 million. She also managed the renovations of a three-story historic building in downtown Armory Square.

At Redhouse, she has been responsible for selecting, casting, directing, acting in, promoting and commissioning works, along with fund-raising. She has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations and has a wide range of acting credits, both nationally and internationally. She is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity.

The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles, is owned by Dr. Robert Kiltz and has recently been renovated to include five levels of meeting and living space. The space features architectural lighting, original brick walls and a glass elevator.

Sponsors include Dr. Robert Kiltz, Group M Communications, Skaneateles Talk, and Vincent McCabe Inc.. Brewster and Austin have also graciously contributed their time to the event.

SKARTS, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming, free concerts in the gazebo in Clift Park, and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.

For more information, contact Jean Vincent at info@vincentmccabe.com.

Concert goers will have a unique multi-sensual experience listening to the big band music of internationally acclaimed Puente Jr.; watching dancers perform from La Familia de la Salsa, one of the largest Latin dance organizations in Upstate New York, and joining in themselves to interact on the dance floor and take free salsa lessons during breaks. Vivid hot pink, orange and yellow table settings will enhance the outdoor event, as well as the gourmet menu, prepared by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of the Sherwood Inn.

“I’ve listened to Latin music through the decades; Tito Puente is the father of salsa,” said Brian Bromka, artistic director of La Familia de la Salsa and a graduate of Westhill High School. Bromka and his Latin dance group have performed at the New York State Fair, festivals, colleges and universities all over Upstate New York. La Familia de la Salsa draws interest from people of all ages and nationalities and teaches some 200 people a week such dance steps as salsa, casino, and Rueda de Casino, a Cuban style salsa with a caller.

Tickets for cocktails, dinner and dancing are $125. VIP tickets are $250. Proceeds from the gala support the SKARTS community grants program, as well as fund free concerts and cultural programs presented by SKARTS in Skaneateles. For more information, call Fouad Dietz at 315-685-6655 or go to www.skarts.org.

The music included fabulous covers of classics written by Adele, B-52′s, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, James Taylor, Van Morrison, and Steve Wonder, along with original music by the Mere Mortals that included beautiful melodies, compelling lyrics and an inspiration to simply get up and move. Maureen Henesey’s outstanding vocal performance, inspired by Bonnie Raitt, totally wowed the crowd. Skaneateles natives Dave Allyn and Win Price gave the audience all that they asked for on solid rhythm guitar and keyboard respectively, as well as on vocals. Paul Becerra added excitement on guitar and vocals together with Kristin Peenstra, who’s fine percussion kicked up the back beat. Becerra’s exceptional cover of James Taylor’s “Mexico” quickly became a huge audience sing-along.

Special guest John (JT) Torrens brought the house down with rousing horn work that inspired many to jump non-stop, during a crowd-pleasing rendition of the Springsteen’s “Rosalita.” Dan Finn’s vocals and layered percussion added smooth textures to the Mere Mortals tight and sophisticated sound. Mark “Kernal” Kearns solid riffs on bass were spot on. The audience begged for more and the Mere Mortals were more than willing to respond, offering several encores. They closed the show with U2′s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” interspersed with “Cecelia” by Paul Simon, which brought the audience to a dancing and celebratory peak.

Multiple generations dance, sang, smiled and generally had a ball. The Mere Mortals music, combined with the perfect weather and the lakeside setting created a magical evening in the moonlight. “The confluence of the great creative energies of the musicians, the perfect weather, and the stunning venue by one of the most pristine lakes in the U.S., all came together for an evening of pure joy with the Mere Mortals” stated Joe Strodel, Jr., President, Skaneateles Area Arts Council.

What a night in beautiful Skaneateles!

Following the legacy of his father, Tito Puente Jr. evokes passion from his audiences with his own brand of tropical and Latin jazz music and dance. From performing arts centers and symphony halls to casino and jazz festivals worldwide, Tito Puente Jr. has performed in more than 300 shows in the last five years. His 2004 album, “In My Father’s Shoes,” was adapted into a BET Jazz television special. His symphony appearances include Dallas, San Antonio, Colorado and South Bend. Upcoming performances include the Palm Desert Symphony and the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch.

In a special tribute to his father, Tito Puente Jr. appeared on NBC’s two-hour special “The Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem.” He also appeared on the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live,” along with his big band. Puente’s newest CD release, “Got Mambo?” is a mixture of the old and the new, as he takes a musical departure into powerful new music he can truly call his own. Guest artist Bobby Cruz and Hansel & Raul help make this a coming-of-age project for Puente, with the album receiving heavy praise from Latin jazz critics.

CNY Fertility/CNY Healing Arts/Dr. Robert J. Kiltz is the title sponsor; over 40 companies and families are also sponsoring the annual gala.

Tickets for cocktails, dinner and dancing are $125. VIP tickets are $250. For more information, call Fouad Dietz at 315-685-6655. To purchase tickets, please go to: http://skarts.org/tickets/.

“The variety of applicants this time was phenomenal,” said Barbara Delmonico, board member of SKARTS and a member of the grants’ committee, along with Sharon Barno and Mary Torrisi. From an after school theater for two to six-year-olds to a Gospel music choir, the groups awarded the grants by SKARTS represent a variety of different artists and programs in the area.

Since 2006, SKARTS has given over $60,000 in grants to individual artists or groups, as well as free concerts, in the community.

The Spring 2012 grant recipients include: Jo Werner of the John D. Barrow Art Gallery, who received a $1,000 grant for a collaborative event to be held August 9, 2012, involving the John D. Barrow Art Gallery; the Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Skaneateles Festival. The aim is to bring many people together who care about art, music and conserving the natural integrity of the Finger Lakes. A reception will be held in the Barrow Gallery, followed by a presentation by the Skaneateles Festival in Presbyterian Church.

Betty Davenport, executive board member of the Skaneateles Community Band received $1,000 grant for the Skaneateles Community Band to help continue the free Friday night concerts at the Gazebo in Skaneateles.  The volunteer band, whose conductor is the only paid member, is incurring growing expenses.  The band, which will celebrate their 30^th anniversary, practices once a week from April through August and in December to prepare for the Christmas concert.

Laura Austin of the Red House Arts Center received a $750 grant for the production of “The Tempest,” this summer’s Shakespeare by the lake program.  The free, family-friendly performance is scheduled for Sunday, June 17 at 2 pm in Clift Park.

Dierdre Aureden of  Baltimore Woods Nature Center received a $750 grant for the design and installation of a mosaic bench to be built near Baltimore Woods Nature Center’s new pavilion. The project will involve local artists and help connect people to nature through art.

Patricia Rickard/Sheila Card of the Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, Inc. and the Skaneateles Y and Community Center received a $750 grant for “Curtin Call,” an after-school theater program for children in grades 1-6, which runs from mid-fall to mid-winter. The child-centered program culminates with a performance for the community.

Dr. Joan Hillsman, Ph.D,  of Joan Hillsman’s Music Network received a $500 grant to bring the art form of gospel music to Skaneateles as a summer enrichment program for the community. The participants of the art form of gospel music engage in singing, poetry and movement, thus increasing the understanding of diversity in music, as well as creating a community environment of inclusion and unity.

Sue Dove of the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce received a $250 grant to support local artists and strengthen Skaneateles’ identity as an art town by producing “dance cards.”  Customers who visit participating businesses, which display local artists’ works, will have their “dance cards” punched on “First Fridays” of the month. After 5 punches, the customer will receive a gift donated by one of the local businesses in Skaneateles. In cooperation with local businesses, First Fridays in Skaneateles celebrate local artists with food, beverages and entertainment in the village.

SKARTS is also presenting it’s fourth free concert at the gazebo in Clift Park called “SKARTS ‘N the Park” with the Mere Mortals,  July 1^st at 8 pm . Also, the 8th annual SKARTS gala at Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles will feature Tito Puente, Jr. and his Latin Dance Party, Sunday July 28^th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Mere Mortals cuts a wide swath through Central New York, appealing to a variety of music lovers, age groups and venues.  While the seven-member band, including female vocalist Maureen Henesy, penetrates crowds at Coleman’s on Tipperary Hill and Shifty’s on Burnet Avenue, the floodgates of their talent will open up, when they perform July 1 at a free concert  on Skaneateles Lake.

Presented by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, the concert will be held at Clift Park on Skaneateles Lake from 8 to 10pm.

While the group plays several original songs such as “Blue Skies,” they often respond to the vibes of the crowd with a diverse array of cover songs such as “Solsbury Hill,” “Mexico,” “Carnival,” “Drive My Car,” and “Let’s Spend the Night Together.” With over 150 songs in their repertoire, the group’s wide ranging musical talent enables them to cover tunes from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to the Rolling Stones and Janes Addiction.  The band plays over 30 performances a year at bars, festivals, weddings and private parties.

What makes the band so unique is their vocal diversity. Six of the seven members have either been lead singers or co/lead singers in previous bands. Before forming The Mere Mortals in 2002, the members of the band played in such local groups as: The Eileens, Soulmates, Descendant and Good Question. The members of the group are: Skaneateles native Dave Allyn, rhythm guitar and vocals; Paul Becerra, guitarist and vocals; Paul Finn, drums and vocals; Maureen Henesey, vocals and percussion; Mark “Kernal” Kearns, bass; Kristin Peenstra, percussion, horn and vocals; and Skaneateles native Win Price, keyboard and vocals.

This is the 4th edition of “SKARTS ‘N the Park” – a free summer concert presented by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS) in Clift Park, and is sponsored by Cowleyweb, Sherwood Inn and Skaneateles Press. For more information on SKARTS, please visit: www.skarts.org

“The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is delighted to provide this important community support once again,” said Barbara Delmonico, committee chair and SKARTS board member.  ”Since 2006, we have been able to provide over $45,000 in grants and several free concerts to the community.  Once again, we hope to help a number of artists, mucisians, students, performing arts groups and community organizations through this spring funding initiative.

The spring 2011 SKARTS funding initiative resulted in nine grants issued to the following organizations and artists: Auburn Public Theater, Becky Flanagan, Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, the Jane Austen Singing School for Young Ladies, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, Beth Battle/Skaneateles Historical Society, Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, and Symphony Syracuse.

To download the spring grant application, visit www.skarts.org<http://www.skarts.org>, or contact bkdelmonico@hotmail.com<mailto:bkdelmonico@hotmail.com> or 685-7427.

About the Skaneateles Area Arts Council:

The mission of the Arts Council is to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community.  The Arts Council presents cultural programming and issues community support grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.  The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization.  To contact the Arts Council, call (315) 685-2414.

“Since 2006, we have been able to provide over $40,000 in grants and several free concerts to the community, said Barbara Delmonico, committee chair and SKARTS board member. ”Once again, we hope to help a number of artists, musicians, students, performing arts groups and community organizations through this fall funding initiative. We realize that throughout the calendar year different funding needs arise; therefore we felt it would be helpful to provide two opportunities for groups and individuals to apply for funding.”

The spring 2011 SKARTS funding initiative resulted in nine grants issued to the following organizations and artists: Auburn Public Theater, Becky Flanagan, Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, the Jane Austen Singing School for Young Ladies, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, Beth Battle/Skaneateles Historical Society, Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, and Symphony Syracuse

To download the fall grant application, visit www.skarts.org, or contact bkdelmonico@hotmail.com or 685-7427.