January 23, 2012, PAWTUCKET, RI – The Pawtucket Arts Festival will take place Friday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 at various locations throughout Pawtucket, showcasing performing and visual arts, music, photography, and ethnic cuisine. The announcement of this year’s dates is made by Festival Chair John Baxter. “We’ll begin with the widely popular ‘Festival Gala’ that brings great music plus food samplings from some of Pawtucket's finest restaurants on Sept. 7, from 6-11pm at the Historic Slater Mill,” noted Baxter.

“The 2012 Pawtucket Arts Festival offers the finest representation of performing, visual and culinary arts in the New England region, with most events at no cost,” continued Baxter. “Festival goers will delight in the expanded choices in all medium of the arts offered this year, and we are excited to present them.”

Mayor Donald R. Grebien noted that the Pawtucket Arts Festival has gotten bigger and better with the continued, strong support of the City's business community and the hard work of the volunteer festival organizers. "We hope to see thousands of people come to this year's Arts Festival to celebrate and enjoy the arts, Pawtucket-style."

Adds, Pawtucket Planning Director, Michael Davolio, “we will be bringing back many popular events, including the Gala, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, and Open Studios, but expect a freshening up on the programming.” Davolio also noted that new faces on the Arts Festival Committee are bringing new energy and enthusiasm. “But,” he added, “there’s still room for more. We have several committees who could benefit from extra hands.”

This year's Honorary Co-Chairs of the Pawtucket Arts Festival are Rep. Elaine Coderre, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin and Kristine Kilmartin and Senator James E. Doyle, II.

A complete listing of all festival events, locations, times and sponsors is available at www.pawtucketartsfestival.org. To volunteer to participate in event planning, please contact Pawtucket Arts Festival Program Coordinator, Diane Agostini at 401-724-5200, or at dagostini@pawtucketri.com.