Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Wilmington, N.C.- UNCW ARTSfest 2005 concluded Wednesday, July 27, with a spirited program (“Some Like It Hot!”) featuring the Carolina Piano Trio, a rousing conclusion to the more than 15 special events comprising this year’s performing arts festival. A wide and diverse variety of guest artists were showcased in the six-week long festival, including jazz pianist Marcus Roberts, the Banu Gibson Trio, The Hewlett Creek Boys bluegrass group, classical pianist Michael Mizzrahi, the African American Dance Ensemble, the Joffrey Ballet Ensemble and the Carolina Piano Trio.

“The variety and diversity of the guest artists showcased was intriguing and exhilarating”, said Norman Bemelmans, UNCW Director of Cultural Arts. “So many different types of performances and performance styles were involved, and all at the highest level of talent and achievement. Our audience numbers consistently exceeded expectations. UNCW can be extremely pleased and proud at the success of this first arts festival endeavor on campus.”

Partnership was a key element in its success, said Bemelmans. “So many individuals, departments and organizations pooled their time, talents and resources in making it happen. Shannon Hooker and Thomas Cone from Student Affairs, Frank Bongiorno and the faculty/staff in the Department of Music, Phil Furia in Creative Writing, Mimi Cunningham and her staff in University Relations, the Office of the Chancellor, the Provost’s Office, the Wilmington Star-News, WWAY-Channel 3, WHQR-FM, the National Endowment for the Arts, and of course the great technical crew at Kenan Auditorium---all were instrumental in producing and promoting such a great line-up of talent."

Planning for next year’s ARTSfest activities has already begun. “We hope to expand the festival concept into even more creative areas, and involve even more of our UNCW colleagues in the planning and development process," Bemelmans said. “There is so much talent, enthusiasm and creativity here. I think it’s going to be something truly special.”

A photo gallery highlighting the 2005 ARTSfest season may be viewed online at http://www.uncw.edu/news/gallery/2005artsfest/index.html