KaleidoFest, in celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary, and a major component of Kaleidoscope Israel, will present an Israeli Artists Bazaar, May 3-8, at the Jewish Community Center’s Carlyn H. Wohl Building.

Sue Lesser is the chair of KaleidoFest, and Rabbi Brad Horwitz, director of the JCC’s Helene Mirowitz Department of Jewish Community Life, is coordinating the event.

“We are truly overwhelmed and excited over the wide variety of Israeli artists and craftspeople whose work will be shown in our Israeli Artists Bazaar, ” Horwitz told the St. Louis Jewish Light. “As we approach the actual date of Israel’s 60th anniversary, we are thrilled to share with our community examples of the tremendous creative energy and artistic genius that have always been part of Israel, ” added Sue Lesser.

The Israeli Artists Bazaar will feature jewelry, paintings, sculpture, Judaica, photo art, fabric calligraphy, clothing, collectibles and other items made by Israeli and Jewish artists. “The majority of these items are not found in local area gift stores, galleries and shops, ” Horwitz said.

Added Sue Lesser, “Our committee purposely selected artwork and merchandising from a diverse group of 14 Israeli and Jewish artists fromacross the United States, Israel and from St. Louis. Our selection will accommodate all price ranges so that every person will have an opportunity to buy something. Items are varied so that they will appeal to both younger and older members of our community. “

Horwitz pointed out, “Many artists will be showing their work for the first time ever at our Israeli Artists Bazaar. Work from artists and vendors include Frank Meisler, David Gerstein, Smadar Livne, Laura Bolter, Yair Emanuel, Jodi Sugar, Dani Katsir, ShirTal Jewelry, Carmel Jewelry, Tsila Schwartz, Berta Goldgaber and Mavrik. “

Lesser said a few other artists are being considered by the committee at the time that the St. Louis Jewish Light goes to press.

The entire Jewish Community Center’s Robert Edison Gymnasium will be transformed into an “ancient marketplace, ” Horwitz said. “Set construction started in January. No one should miss seeing this transformed space designed by Dunsai Dai, recent winner of a 2008 Kevin Kline Award for a set he designed for a separate production. “

The event will be launched with a Preview Party, which will provide the first opportunity to experience the Israeli Artists Bazaar on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. “People will not want to miss seeing the unique and limited pieces that might otherwise be purchased by others during the rest of the week, ” said Lesser.

Chairs of the Opening Preview Party event are Marie Levy and Jane Wasserman. A special Havdalah ceremony will be led by Cantor Seth Warner of Congregation Shaare Emeth, at 8:30 p.m. The $18 ticket includes “an exquisite kosher selection of desserts by Steven Becker Fine Dining and kosher wine, ” said Horwitz.

Patrons to the Noa Concert will receive free tickets. RSVP is required by April 28 by calling Randi Poscover at 314-442-3235, [email protected], or online at www.jccstl.com.

KaleidoFest is a project of Kaleidoscope Israel @ 60, a yearlong series of events, programs and other activities to mark Israel’s 60th anniversary of independence. Overall chairs for Kaleidoscope Israel are Diane and Paul Gallant, their children Steve and Amy Gallant and grandsons Richie and Tommy Gallant.

“We are very grateful to Sue Lesser, Brad Horwitz, Marie Levy, Jane Wasserman and their terrific committee for their hard work which will make the Israeli Artists Bazaar a major component of our celebration and our love for Israel, ” said Diane Gallant.

Kaleidoscope Israel is generously funded by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. KaleidoFest has been made possible through the generosity of Michael and Carol Staenberg in conjunction with the Staenberg Family Foundation. To see a list of information for the entire week, visit www.jccstl.com.

A complete list of Israeli Artists Bazaar hours is also available at the same Web site.