DOWNEY – The Downey Arts Coalition will host an Open House tonight at 7 p.m., at the Epic Lounge in downtown Downey.

The event is free to the public and offers an opportunity to connect with others who have an interest in supporting and participating in local art events. Refreshments will be served.    

The evening features skits by the Epic Lounge Improv Team, which includes actor and film director Forrest Hartl, and artwork by Kristine Augustyn.  Augustyn works primarily in acrylics and uses color and light in a post-impressionistic style. 

Art curator Pat Gil describes the Downey Arts Coalition as umbrella organization that provides “a place for local artists, arts organization, and community leaders to share and collaborate. Whatever someone’s passion is – music, film, theatre, dance, poetry – we can work together to help you express it in our local community.”   

Since its founding in 2011, the arts group has sponsored art exhibits, monthly poetry readings, and produced two Broadway plays and three free music festivals.   Art shows for the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, the City of Downey rooftop events, and the Downey symphony concerts are curated by members of DAC.

The non-profit organization has also hosted movie screenings by local filmmakers, and assisted with publicity for the Glenfest Movie Festival that was free to the public at the Downey Krikorian Theater.  Reflecting its commitment to the community, the DAC website offers a calendar promoting city concerts, art shows, and music events.

Everyone, no matter what their interest, is invited to come for an evening of networking and stimulating conversation.  For further information go to:  www.downeyarts.org.