By Sharon Gittleman
The LGBT community is formally invited to attend the 2004 Clay and Glass Festival in Royal Oak. Event planners hope gay visitors will help the summer festival continue its reputation as one of the most exciting art shows in the country. "Royal Oak is a diverse community," said festival organizer Peggy Godwin. "We welcome everyone." Gay restaurants and business owners are at the forefront of the 10th annual festival. "We are so proud to be here to highlight what we do best," said Jim Domanski, co-owner of the Royal Oak restaurant Pronto! "It's art, food and great entertainment." Over 124 clay and glass artisans from across the country will set up booths during the event. The "Taste of Royal Oak," food festival will be held in conjunction with the art fair; attendees will be able to sample everything from Tortellini Pellimino prepared by Andiamo Osteria, to Grilled Ahi Tuna made by chefs from Lily's Seafood Grill & Brewery. Other participating restaurants include O'Toole's Tavern, Monterrey, Mr. B's Pub, BD's Mongolian Barbeque, Pronto!, The Rock on Third and Woody's Diner. Food and pottery won't be the only highlights of the festival; nine jazz, blues and reggae artists will perform during the event. Jazz vocalist Kathy Cousins will sing for attendees along with Chicago's 8-member Grammy-nominated ensemble, "Liquid Soul," and a dance area has been set aside for music-lovers. Organizers expect over 40,000 art connoisseurs and music fans to attend the event, including children. This year, youngsters will be able to paint their own pottery, create mosaics and make their hand and foot prints on tiles in the children's activity area. A portion of the funds contributed by sponsor Marshall Fields to set up the children's activity area will be given to the Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County. Gilda's Club is another charitable recipient of the event; the Club will receive the silent auction dollars bid on works donated by festival artists.
