The Imagination Celebration is a Cortland County-wide art show featuring student artists in grades K-12. Held for over fifteen years in various Cortland County locations, the kids are taking over the Ake Gallery, March 21 - April 7 this year. Artwork by teachers is also on display in the gallery. More than just an art show, the Imagination Celebration will host workshops and comedy shows, each targeting a unique age group.
ART
The Imagination Celebration Gallery opens to the public on March 21st from 5-8pm. Participating families with students in grades K-5 are encouraged to come from 5-6:30pm, while students in grades 6-12 are invited from 6:30-8pm. There will be refreshments and music by Cortland County students for your listening pleasure. The show will remain open to all ages and guests during Ake Gallery's regular business hours from March 19th to April 7th.
MUSIC
No gallery opening is complete without a little live music! The musical ensemble for March 19 is led by local music instructor and maestro Jonathan Keefner. The set list for the evening is as follows:
5:00-5:10- The Kids From St. Mary’s
5:15-5:25- Austin Lane
5:30-5:45- Syd Markoff
5:50-6:05- OJ and Story
6:10-6:25- Gino Barnes
6:30-6:50- Jenna Noelle
6:55-7:15- Lost Marble Theor
COMEDY
The legendary comedian Lenny Bruce once said, "The only honest art form is laughter." If comedy is your idea of high art, then the Imagination Celebration has got you covered with four uproarious events.
For the littlest comedians (grades 2-6), Ake is hosting Possible Improve, a free workshop with Sam Herwood and Jess Nistad, on March 23 from 10:15-11 am. Followed by a free Teen/Adult Improv Class taught by Steven Burke of Comedy Flops and Sam Hurwood. The laughs don't stop there. March 28, Comedy Flops Improv from Ithaca is bringing an interactive all ages Improv show, where audience participation is mandatory. And, for the grown-up, Psychic Comedian Karen Rontowski promises to tickle your funny bone on April 6 at 7pm.
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Has your foray into the Imagination Celebration left you craving more creativity? In Cortland County, you'll discover a vibrant art scene filled with galleries and workshops, comedy shows, and live music that flourish nearly every night of the week. So pack your bags, book a room, and make a long weekend of it. We're going on an artistic adventure!
ART
When it comes to exploring Cortland County's art scene, your first stop should always be the Cortland Arts Connect Art Trail Map. Immerse yourself in galleries and mural tours, explore talented artists' studios, and discover the perfect spot to ignite your creativity with a craft class or workshop with this interactive map. This is the hub for First Friday throughout the county as well.
The Cortland Corset Building is a tremendous part of the heart of the art scene in Cortland County. This historic building is filled with artist studios, such as Art by Emily Gibbons, Forged From Ashe and Living Illusion by Crystal Lyon. You can immerse yourself in a figure drawing session on First Friday, a pottery class at Pottery Works Cortland or learn to sew at Magpie Custom Creations.
Are you a collector versus a creator? Shop the tremendous selection of locally made art at Cinch Art Space and Artisan Elements to find that one-of-a-kind piece to complete your collection.
MUSIC
When it comes to live music, Cortland County has it in spades! From local legends gracing the stages of our favorite breweries to national touring acts and rising stars, there's always a noteworthy performance to take in.
Breaking barriers bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, art and architecture collide in perfect harmony at Rose Hall. From rock shows to orchestral performances, the wide gamut of genres sharing this converted church pulpit means there is something for everyone’s taste. Whether you want to bask in the melodic melodies of a legend or discover an up-and-coming talent, Rose Hall is the place to be. To check out their current lineup, visit rosehallcortland.org
The Center for the Arts of Homer is a Cortland County musical cornerstone. So much more than just a music venue, the Center for the Arts of Homer is home to an art gallery, small business incubation spaces, creative workshops, and studio spaces, as well as providing a stage for local movie premiers and plays. Winner of the Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS) People’s Choice Award for Best Venue to Hear Live Music, this is a must-stop spot for art and music lovers traveling through Cortland County. For a complete list of the upcoming events, visit center4art.org
COMEDY
What's better than a night of great stand-up? A night of great stand-up paired with great beer! Sip some award-winning brews at McGraw Box Brewing on March 29 at Homebrewed Comedy Night. Homebrewed Comedy is a collection of some of the finest up-and-coming comedians from all over the country who come together to put on the best stand-up shows in the region. Stools fill fast, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at homebrewedcomedy.com.
Laugh until tears roll down your legs at Ake Gallery on March 29. You've seen him on Letterman and Craig Ferguson. National Headliner Paul Morressey comes home to Cortland for a night of hilarious comedy. Tickets for Ice Cream vs Everything are selling quickly. Snag yours at paulkozlowski.com.
This is just a taste of all the creative ways you can enjoy Cortland County. To start imagining your celebration of all things art, visit experiencecortland.com and explore the colorful side of our county.
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