AS220 was founded in 1985 with an unjuried, uncensored mission and the conviction that freedom of expression is crucial for the development of strong communities and individual spirits. Foo Fest, which was also called the Fool's Ball once or twice, is AS220's signature annual event.

On Saturday, August 13th 2011, AS220 will entertain Providence with the 17th in a series of not-to-be-missed annual celebrations, when Foo Fest takes over Providence's Empire Street, transforming it into the largest gallery and performance space in the city. Spend twelve colorful hours cavorting with more than 5,000 of the region's finest. Learn how to party from our infamous headliner, Manhattan artist, Andrew W.K., the self-styled "King of Partying", during a Special Solo Show performance on the Foo Fest main stage. Andrew W.K. is a multi-faceted musician, erformer, producer, film-maker, TV and radio personality, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and mischief-maker; we have no idea what's in store! Fellow NYC artist, Cherie Lily, joins the bill, bringing her creation, "Houserobics", along. You'll burn some calories with Cherie's hybrid of high-energy dance music and the fitness lifestyle. Foo Fest 2011 also features twenty musical performances from the Greater Providence spanning every genre and inevitable antics from this year's MC, local artist, Peter Glanz. Over a dozen AS220 programs, inspired individuals, and non-profits will present creative activities and interactive works of art under our big top. Local food vendors and modestly-priced, well-stocked bars fill out the event for a perfect summer block party.

2011 Foo Fest Performers
Andrew W.K. Special Solo Show
Cherie Lily
ACCO-The AS220 Criss Cross Orchestra, Amil Byleckie Band, AS220 Youth's ZuKrewe, The Brother Kite, Daily Life, Idiot Vehicle, Manni Headphonez, Olneyville Sound System, Panther Moderns, The Rice Cakes, The Silks, Soldiers of Life, Super Chief Trio, Tallahassee, Tem. Blessed and Blessed Energy, Triangle Forest, Urban Barn Dance, Volcano Kings, White Load, Worms in Women and Cattle & 2011 MC Peter Glanz

Anthony Pontarelli, "Foo Fest", mixed media on paper, 2011.
"Anthony is a painter and illustrator that seems to channel both his experience and his dreams into lush and layered paintings that document places in time. His characters seem to be floating through landscapes bending and changing into symbols on a flag, or a coat-of-arms, or an old box of soap." - Seamus Hames, Top Drawer Art at the BRASS curator

AS220 thanks Anthony for sharing his awesome Foo Fest painting with us. If we didn't already have a poster we would've plastered this one all around town!

Learn More About Anthony Pontarelli at the Top Drawer Art Center Site

View More and/or Purchase Some of Anthony's work in AS220's Web Store