First Mon Valley Arts Fest draws big crowd
By Eric Seiverling
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
Overcast skies didn’t deter supporters of the arts Sunday as they descended upon Community College of Allegheny County’s South Campus in West Mifflin to partake in the art, music and food at the first-ever Mon Valley Arts Fest.
Inspired by Pittsburgh’s iconic Three Rivers Arts Festival, the event featured artwork by students from 13 area school districts including Elizabeth Forward, McKeesport Area, Ringgold and West Jefferson Hills; live painting demonstrations; food trucks from Rogue BBQ, Udderly Fresh and PGH Halal; artwork, ceramics and handcrafted goods available for purchase from 20 local artists; live music by local band Louie Castle and the Rooks and disc jockey Tim Milko from Gitano Productions.
The free event was the brainchild of the West Mifflin Community Foundation, a non-profit group that supports the borough of West Mifflin and surrounding communities through educational support, charitable giving and disaster relief. The foundation supports the borough of West Mifflin, West Mifflin Area School District, local organizations, and the surrounding communities through fundraising, volunteerism and grant application support.
The foundation has been in existence since 2005, and previous community events have included a Gym and Swim and a Senior Brunch and Bingo.
“There’s been a steady stream of people and everything went well,” foundation president Nick Pisciottano said during a break from greeting vendors and festival goers. “We hope to build on it for next year.”
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