Today kicks off downtown's annual Howl! Festival under the direction of FEVA, the Federation of East Village Artists. The three day festival, named in honor of the poem by Allen Ginsberg, is a celebration of New York City's East Village and Lower East Side art scene. Though at times the festival seems like a homage to the frenetic, creative energy of the '80s, it's a much needed relief to the frat bar atmosphere of the current East Village scene. Events include Art Around the Park at which Tompkins Square Park gets wrapped in canvas and painted by local artists Saturday and Sunday.The festival begins this weekend though Howl! Festival sponsored events are scheduled throughout the month. Check their website for scheduled events or get your hands on the Howl! Program Calendar at East Village Howler.
