Festival of Young Artists to return to SPAC for eighth year
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists will return to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for its eighth year in June. More than 700 young dancers, musicians, singers, poets and visual artists from throughout the Capital Region are set to perform at the free community festival.
Taking place on June 1, this year's Festival of Young Artists will follow the theme "Wonder" -- inspired by the work of the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón -- and spotlight individual pop-up musical performances, poetry readings and art displays. The afternoon will conclude with a large, coordinated production on the SPAC stage, featuring the premiere of an original musical composition by Guilderland High School senior Siyi Guo.
This year's participating organizations will include the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), the Capital District Youth Chorale, the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, the Narthanalaya School of the Arts and the SPAC School of the Arts. Free ice cream will be provided by Stewart's Shops.
"Nothing is more life-affirming than witnessing the joy and talent of our region’s youth," said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC's chief executive officer. "Inviting these students to perform on our campus is the perfect way to celebrate the opening of our summer season."
In addition to student performances, there will also be lawn games, food stands and immersive art activities. A sensory area and American Sign Language interpretation will also be available.
SPAC has also named the festival's "Outstanding Artist" award winners: Jenny Fang from Shenendehowa High School for visual art, Gianna Zhang from Shaker High School for literary art and Audrey Bedell and Iris Yang from the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet for performing arts. Each winner will be awarded a $500 scholarship to further develop their craft at the festival. The full online student gallery can be viewed online.
The 2025 Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists will run from 2 p.m. through 5:30 p.m., with the large production at 4:45 p.m. Registration is required for admission and can be completed on the festival's website.