All-encompassing event series combines food with the arts

Brooke Williams, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Jul. 6—Visitors to Nay Aug Park can stock up on fresh produce, learn an artistic skill and sing along to live music all in one day.

The Greenhouse Project kicks off its Farm Arts Market on Wednesday, an event series sponsored by the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department that combines food with the arts. Every Wednesday through August, the nonprofit will hold a farmers market and creative arts workshop to coincide with the park's ongoing weekly concert series.

Greenhouse Project Program Director Kimberly Crafton said the series — conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic — looks to connect the community with healthy and locally grown food sources for their physical health and creative outlets for their mental health.

She called the Farm Arts Market a showpiece for Scranton, Nay Aug Park, the Greenhouse Project and the county's Arts and Culture Department.

"It's a great example of what good can be done for our community when people work and plan together," she said.

The farmers market runs from 4 to 7 p.m. with vendors like Fullers Overlook Farm, Electric City Sweets, the Releafery and more.

At 5 p.m., a local artist will host a free workshop in visual, literary, culinary or theater arts for participants of all skill levels. This week, Michael Sorrentino leads an "en plein air"-style (outdoor painting) art class.

The workshops will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. The materials will be provided.

Afterward, marketgoers can catch a free concert in the park at 6 p.m.; the Electric City Steel Drum Band is scheduled to perform this week.

Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Deputy Director Maureen McGuigan said she's glad the department could collaborate with the Greenhouse Project to promote the arts in a nontraditional venue.

"Anything that combines healthy living with the arts is wonderful because the arts can be a driver for health and wellness in a community," McGuigan said.

For a full list of workshops and vendors, visit scranton greenhouse.org.

Contact the writer:

bwilliams

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@BWilliamsTT on Twitter.