BEST FEST 2023: A Back-to-School Celebration of the Arts
As summer draws to a close and the school bells begin to ring, there's no better way to kick off the academic year than with a vibrant celebration of the arts. That's why we were thrilled to host our annual back-to-school bash, BEST FEST. BEST FEST was held at Zony Mash Beer Project and united over 200 attendees in a day of artistic exploration and inspiration.
This year's event showcased the remarkable talents of our teaching artists and arts integration specialists, who led a rich array of hands-on activities. From crafting bookmarks to exploring the world of watercolor art and printmaking, BEST FEST provided a colorful canvas for participants to express themselves and discover the joy of artistic creation.
One of the standout moments of the day was the enchanting drag storytime performance by the fabulous Laveau Contraire. With boundless energy and a sprinkle of glitter, Contraire mesmerized the audience with tales celebrating individuality and creative expression.
Local Author Loreal Ivory shared her delightful book, "Who Let the Nerves Out," which couldn't have been more fitting for the occasion, as it offers invaluable lessons in handling nervousness—especially at the dawn of a new school year. Through the pages of this charming book, children and their families find comfort, wisdom, and practical strategies to confront those jittery moments that accompany the start of something new. The event concluded with a live performance by the Treme Brass Band, filling the air with music.
KID smART's BEST FEST was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, notably the Sunstone Project, which served as the presenting sponsor. Donations from the Sunstone Project and Blue Cypress Books resulted in the distribution of FREE books to all attendees, further promoting literacy and a love for reading among the next generation.
As we reflect on this year's BEST FEST, we are reminded that the arts have the incredible ability to bring communities together, spark joy, and inspire future generations of artists, writers, and performers!
