Local Student Organizes Art Festival Featuring Local Artists

Kat Hamilton is taking a big leap. But she's doing it with her eyes wide open.

The soon-to-be Coginchaug High School senior has spent the past several months organizing Art Fest 2013, a showcase of local artists and performers that will take place on Sunday, June 30 at Epoch Arts in East Hampton.

Hamilton came up with the idea as a way to promote the work of her peers — young artists who seldom have the opportunity to share their talent with the public. She chose Epoch Arts because of its "comfortable" atmosphere.

"I went to all of these galleries, really high-class. I thought, why don't I bring this to the community level. If I bring it down to that community level I can share it with everyone," she said.

The free art festival will feature live music from locally-known bands such as Two O'Clock Courage and Off The Trolley. There will also be poetry readings, a composer, authors, kids activities and of course, art galleries.

The event's premier showcase, the Lights Out Gallery, will begin at 7 p.m. 

"I have sculpture artists, glass artists, photographers, graphite artists, graphic designers and painters," said Hamilton, an aspiring photographer whose work will also be on display.

Hamilton has also invited college representatives to the event to meet with aspiring college students.

She will earn school credit for event through QUEST, an independent study program offered at Coginchaug, where she said she's met many of the artists participating in the event.

"Why not share that moment with the people that have pushed you to be the best artist you can be," she said.

Art Fest 2013 Schedule: