With an expanded entertainment element, the Triton Museum of Art held its annual summer art fair on June 20. Changing its name from the Midsummer Art Festival to the Summer Solstice, the event gave art collectors and appreciators the opportunity to buy items ranging from original paintings to photographic prints and jewelry to other handmade items like ceramics and scarves.
Funding from the City of Santa Clara’s Cultural Commission was used to provide the all day entertainment. In years past, the Triton would arrange one or two performers to provide low-key, background music throughout the afternoon. This year, the Cultural Commission arranged for a wide range of musical and performances with The Spiceislander, a steel drummer, opening the fair. Tezkatlipoka, an Aztec Drum and Dance group, which performed at the Triton last year during the Triton Friday Performance series, showcased its elaborate costumes while explaining each dance through storytelling.
Blues and soul singer Big Cat Tolefree performed two sets, split by Tabia, an African-American Theatre Ensemble who performed poetry through song and dance. Davenriche European Martial Arts followed with a sword fighting demonstration and gave instructions to anyone interested in learning the art and Up a Notch Band, a classic rock group, closed the afternoon.
The event, which was free to attend, also coincided with the Santa Clara Art Association’s annual show. The exhibit, held in the Rose Shenson Gallery (next to the Headen-Inman House), was where members of SCAA, like Donna Orme, set up their Solstice booths.
“Santa Clara Art Association members come from many parts of the world, and the Summer Solstice Celebration is known universally,” said Orme. “How fitting to have art to begin the season.” Orme said the exhibit is available for viewing on Saturday, June 27 from 11:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a reception from 1 to 3 p.m. on the closing day.
While adults sipped on sangria or purchased beer from Faultline Brewing Company, kids – and anyone interested in creating – participated in an art project, continuing the museum’s mission of serving the community.
The Summer Solstice was a fundraising event for the Triton, which remains free to the public. Each artist gave a portion of their sales back to the museum.
The Triton will host a lounge@tritonmuseum on Friday, June 26 from 7 to 11 p.m. The lounge, a toned down version of the museum’s night@tritonmuseum events, will serve as a closing reception for the 50 and Looking Forward… and Ron Guzman: Current Images Calling on Stories and Legend exhibits. Additionally, there will be retro video games, snacks and craft projects. The event is free, but drinks will be available for purchase. Visit http://tritonmuseum.org/night@tritonmuseum.php for more information.