The Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center is a fine place to look at pieces of art from around central New York. But the museum would like to show you this weekend that it knows how to party, too.

This Sunday, the Schweinfurth will host the first of what could be many annual arts and music festivals. Known as Schweinfest, the outdoor event will feature music, crafts, dance shows, storytelling and more.

There will also be a pig roast and beer tasting through the afternoon, and a 50/50 raffle drawing for a Mackenzie-Childs piggy bank at the end of the day. The proceeds of the raffle will go toward the museum's programming.

According to Stephanie Schuster, assistant director at the Schweinfurth, the festival is meant to serve as a kind of open house. All of the events and attractions represent the various programs and services offered by the center.

“We tried to incorporate everything we do in the community year round,” Schuster said. “It's really about showcasing arts and music in central New York.”

Throughout the day, visitors will experience performances by area musicians and a Rochester spoken word performer, Jay Stetzer. The festival will feature African music, dance and drumming, as well as American Indian folk songs.

Children's arts and crafts will be led by people who lead similar programs at the center, Schuster said. And the Schweinfurth will be open for visitors to view the current exhibition showing pieces focusing on America's roads.

The only attractions that cost money will be the food and the beer tasting. But tasters can try a number of regional brews and keep a souvenir Schweinfest glass.

“I think we're trying to create a day that will appeal to as many people as possible,” Schuster said. “We want it to be an easy and accessible way for people to come and experience what they can do here.”

So many people associate art museums with standing around in a quiet building, looking at static pieces of art on a wall, Schuster said. But this is a way the Schweinfurth can attract new people to interact with the center in a casual way, she said.

“It's a way to educate people about what we offer and entertain them at the same time,” Schuster said.

If all goes well, she added, the community can expect another Schweinfest next year.

“I think this could become our signature Schweinfurth event,” Schuster said.

Christopher Caskey

253-5311 ext. 282

christopher.caskey@lee.net

Full schedule of events

Noon

• Shiny Schwein Contest kickoff

• Bob Piorun and the Performing Arts Band, through 1:15 p.m.

• Children's arts and crafts, through 2 p.m.

• Pig roast, through 6 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

• Storytelling with Jay Stetzer

2 p.m.

• Music and Dance by regional folk artists

3 p.m.

• Beer tasting, through 6 p.m.

4 p.m.

• Dave Hanlon's Cookbook

• Children's arts and crafts, through 6 p.m.

5 p.m.

• 50/50 raffle drawing

Full schedule of events

Noon

• Shiny Schwein Contest kickoff

• Bob Piorun and the Performing Arts Band, through 1:15 p.m.

• Children's arts and crafts, through 2 p.m.

• Pig roast, through 6 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

• Storytelling with Jay Stetzer

2 p.m.

• Music and Dance by regional folk artists

3 p.m.

• Beer tasting, through 6 p.m.

4 p.m.

• Dave Hanlon's Cookbook

• Children's arts and crafts, through 6 p.m.

5 p.m.

• 50/50 raffle drawing