Press Release

SICA, 20 Third Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740 732-728-1913
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARTIST MELANIE HEINRICH TO PRESENT DOCUMENTARY AND BOOK ON CARNIVAL LIFE AT ALLENTOWN FAIR AUGUST 29th - 31st

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Renowned Media Artist, Melanie Heinrich, will be presenting her critically acclaimed documentary short on carnival life, “Behind the Colored Lights – an Insiders’ View of the Carnival,” as well as discussing her book of the same title at the Allentown Fair on August 29th, 30th and 31st.

Heinrich’s documentary portrays her family’s carnival lineage from the Great Depression where her family owned and operated a carnival concession stand in and around Buffalo, NY to Heinrich’s owned and operated ice cream carnival stand from the age of 19 through age 29 to her sister’s current traveling amusement company, Powers Great American Midways, with more than 60 modern rides, games, and concessions.

Heinrich commented, “My film and book are a personal interpretation of those daily moments on the carnival that are not seen by the general public. They say when you're a true Carney that it is in your blood. I suppose I fall into that category. I have been photographing the carnival and its people since 1974. I am eager to show my film and discuss my book. I narrate the text from interviews collected from carneys and also write the text from the experience that I have had over the past fifty years. These experiences and people have greatly influenced my life and continue to influence my family’s life.” She commented further, “That charismatic quality about the carnival lifestyle is captured in my still film and images and reveals how the carnival industry has changed over the years. My portraits allow the viewer an inside look, a behind-the-scenes peek at this most interesting lifestyle and its people.”

Melanie’s documentary will be shown on the Centennial Stage at the Allentown Fair on Friday, August 29th at 4PM; Saturday, August 30th at 4PM and 6PM; and Sunday, August 31st at 6PM after each of which Melanie will discuss her film and book as well as be available to answer questions.

About Melanie: Born in Buffalo New York, Melanie Heinrich received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1984 and a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College in 2008. From 1999 to 2006, Heinrich was a Professor of Photography at Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey. She currently works and lives in Long Branch, NJ.