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ARTigras celebrates local arts May 6, 7

April 28, 2016

artigras-bannerExcitement is building for ARTIgras 2016, a celebration of the arts in the DeKalb community and at NIU.

The second annual event has expanded to two days this year: Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7.

Sponsored by NIU and the City of DeKalb, ARTigras once again will feature the popular arts parade and post-parade party on the NIU campus featuring music, crafts and games. Art gallery exhibitions and receptions and evening concerts are also a part of the celebration.

New this year is Friday night’s “March to Bourbon Street” event that will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. The opening night event is designed to celebrate the New Orleans experience and will include roaming performers, live visual artists, art on display and a variety of live performances, including music from local jazz musicians.

The ARTigras Arts Parade celebrates the visual and performing arts, featuring colorful costumes, musical talent and much more. An art parade has a flamboyant and artistic twist. Costumes can be simple or elaborate, and participants can wear masks, carry banners, decorate scooters or bikes or build floats for their groups. Imagination is the key to building something unique and fun.

artigras-crayonsAlong with the Arts Parade, Art Gallery Shows and Receptions will be held at various locations on campus and in the DeKalb community from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7. These events will feature the work of NIU Fine Arts students and showcase artwork from members of the local community.

Show and reception locations include:

Refreshments and live entertainment will be available, and shuttle buses will run from 4 to 6 p.m. to transport patrons to different art show and reception venues.

For more information, visit http://niu.edu/artigras/, call (815) 753-1999 or email ellena@niu.edu.