Art of all kinds is cause for celebrations starting in April.

The South Simcoe Arts Council is hosting the Festival of the Arts 2008 starting April 13 with a performance by the South Simcoe Concert Band. The opening celebration is 2 p.m. at the Gibson Centre for Community, Arts and Culture.

Music festival performances and adjudications run from April 21 to May 5. Piano performances are from April 21 to 23. Bands and instrumental are April 25, vocal April 28 and strings May 5. All performances are at the Gibson Centre and open to the public. Admission is free.

April’s Speakers Corner is April 21 at the Gibson Centre starting at 7:30 p.m. The workshop with Debra Wanless will focus on piano teaching styles for small children.

April 14 to 18 there will be storytelling in schools and libraries. An evening of storytelling will be held Fri., April 18.

Dr. Lee Willingham is being featured for a choral clinic and celebration May 10. The massed choral performance is 3:30 p.m. at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Alliston. The public is welcome and admission is free.

The Millpond Centre is hosting Arts by the River, Youth Art Show. It runs from April 12 to May 2. A reception will be held April 26 at 3:30 p.m. Paul Morin will lead an illustrating workshop that day as well.

Art on Main, in Beeton, Tottenham, Cookstown and Alliston runs April 21 to May 19. The deadline for applications is April 1.

For more information on the Festival of the Arts 2008 visit www.newtecarts.org.