Spinstock Flow Arts Festival draws performers, vendors to Coleman Memorial Park

The 12th annual Spinstock Flow Arts Festival, held at Coleman Memorial Park, brought performers, vendors, and the public together under clear, warm skies.

Organizer Corinne DeAlmeida explained that the event celebrates the umbrella of flow arts, various ways of entering a mental flow state. She described flow arts as highly personal and largely self-taught, tapping into an intuitive and calming state.

At Spinstock, experienced flow arts performers, mostly of movement-based arts, showed off skills including belly dancing, hoops, a drum circle, and even fire dance.

Members of the public of all ages and experience levels were lent supplies and encouraged to try out flow arts, possibly for the first time.

Attendees could also participate in traditional art, with paints and canvases available for use alongside a live painting by local artist Autumn Krouse.

Performers at Spinstock came from throughout the state and beyond, with some coming from as far as West Virginia and New Jersey, DeAlmeida said.

Spinstock first started out at the South Sixth Street Playground before moving to Coleman Memorial Park, where it has remained ever since.

Organizer and Friends of Coleman Memorial Park secretary Lydya Renninger said the partnership is one of many events that encourages members of the public to enjoy the park’s grounds. She said that Spinstock gives the public an opportunity to learn the physical and mental benefits of flow arts and its community in an accepting, family-friendly setting.

“That’s built into the history; when the Colemans donated the land, it was meant to offer free activities to the public,” said Renninger.

She said she enjoys the juxtaposition of vibrant, lively flow arts under the lush greens of the park’s plentiful trees. DeAlmeida added that vendors have also voiced appreciation for the shade.

In the future, DeAlmeida said, Spinstock organizers hope to continue making connections with flow arts organizations and communities throughout the state. Renninger added that they strive for “intentional growth that lends to a respectable view of this community.”

More photos