2009 Festival receives VCA grant

Community High is the recipient of a 2008/2009 Project Grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, supporting its annual Marginal Arts Festival. The Festival, which brings to the stage, dance floor, silver screen, exhibition space and street art forms and artists not usually heard and seen in mainstream formats, is slated to run February 19-23, 2009. The Festival concludes with the school's annual fund raising event- "Fat Tuesday" on February 24.

"We are thrilled to receive the support and validation of the Virginia Commission for the Arts," said Festival Organizer and Community High faculty member, Brian Counihan. "This grant gives the Festival an opportunity to grow, include more art forms and artists and to reach Roanoke Valley communities," added Counihan.

Last season's Marginal Arts Festival featured mail art from around the world, Power-tool drag racing, a photo and video installation, a screening of video art and film, sculptural installations around town and a a window gallery at the Art Museum of Western Virginia called "The Liminal gallery." "I want this Festival to be about the 'other people' of this city and region," explained Counihan. "Those not seen in galleries, performance halls and ivory towers of the mainstream. There are vital stories not being told and important gestures not being seen that could teach us all something about who we are: that is what this festival is about."  An anonymous donor has pledged to match the $3,000 grant. For further information, contact Community High at 540-345-1688