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Family of artists to join Banana Factory’s First Friday event Dec. 2
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – For the past few months, an Allentown-based family of artists known as Maltas Con Leche (MCL) has been hard at work as artists-in-residence at the Banana Factory Arts Center in Bethlehem creating the 2023 Musikfest poster mural. This Friday, Dec. 2, members of MCL will join other artists as part of the Banana Factory’s First Friday event.
From 6-9 p.m., in addition to First Friday festivities like live music, glass blowing, jewelry making, painting and paper making demonstrations, attendees will have an opportunity to see the 40th anniversary Musikfest poster mural for the first time and interact with the creative team of artists responsible for its conception and creation.
Representing the Spanish heritage of a carnival, the colorful 2023 Musikfest poster mural not only commemorates the festival’s 40th anniversary, but also embodies the spirit and liveliness of the Lehigh Valley’s richly diverse culture. Celebrating around the mural’s center image, called a Vejigante, people happily dance among a rainbow burst of color and musical notes, against a colorfully rich backdrop that features the iconic SteelStacks nestled among hills and tress representing the City of Bethlehem.
MCL’s work with paintings, murals, live demos and teaching events highlight their shared passion of introducing art and culture into the everyday routine in people’s lives. Led by father Rafael, the family of artists includes Luz, Esperanza, Binico, Caterina, Camila and Santiago, with ages ranging from four to 22. Each have equal say and input on the ultimate designs they paint together and are eager to meet with members of the Lehigh Valley community and publicly display their work.
According to Rafael, MCL has been working as a family since 2012 and are excited to show the different forms of art and talent they have to offer, individually and as family.
Regarding the 2023 Musikfest mural, “Culture was our main inspiration,” said Rafael. “We all brought what culture and music meant to each of us.”
“This inspiring design reflects the beauty and richness of who we are as a community and honors the diversity we celebrate via the sights and sounds at Musikfest annually and all the programming and artistic experiences ArtsQuest presents year-round,” said ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert.
ArtsQuest’s Lead Creative Juliann Masenheimer, says that working with MCL has been extremely rewarding, adding “We’re so excited to have this incredible family of talented artists bring their collective energy and creative talent to the 2023 Musikfest poster mural.”
Musikfest is set for Aug. 4–13, 2023. More details will be announced about the nation’s largest free ungated music festival throughout the year, including exciting opportunities with 2023 poster artists MCL. Visit musikfest.org for more information.
Aside from Musikfest, ArtsQuest provides countless opportunities for the community to enjoy, year-round, including different musical, artistic, cultural and educational experiences on its campus at the SteelStacks and Banana Factory. To ensure the future of ArtsQuest, visit artsquest.org/donate.
About ArtQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.
Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, approximately 50 percent of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. ArtsQuest is a proud member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association and NATO, the National Association of Theatre Owners.
Information provided to TVL on behalf of Shannon Keith by:
Kelley Andrade, ArtsQuest
Public Relations Coordinator
http://www.artsquest.org/
