For those looking to get out of the crowds this weekend but who would still like a chance to see some local art on display, the destination is the Another Choice X.

Along with the People's Choice Arts Festival, Another Choice, now in its 10th year, forms the Boalsburg duo of arts festivals that take place on the same weekend as their more well-known State College counterpart.

Another Choice offers a different atmosphere than the other two festivals -- one that's much more laid back and intimate, festival organizer Harriet Rosenberg said.

"Somebody told us once, 'You're the best-kept secret in the Arts Festival,'" she said.

No booths line the streets at this festival. Instead, artists display their work in
the Boalsburg Lion's Community Club,
130 S. Academy St.,
an old, converted church.

And rather than be overwhelmed by artwork, visitors are greeted by only six local artists displaying their work. This gives people more time to observe the piece and talk to the artist about it, Rosenberg said.

"Artists like to talk about their work," she said with a laugh.

Rosenberg, who also teaches art at the Altoona campus, said she began the festival in 1994 after finding that showing her work at the other two festivals was more stressful than she would have liked.

"It was really deadly. It was so hot. It rained. It was a lot of carrying things," she said.

So along with several other local artists, she formed Another Choice, which initially consisted

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Another choice

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mostly of the artists and their friends but has since grown through word of mouth.

Bellefonte resident Mary Vollero, who has been a participant in the festival since its start, will have a display of videos and digital photography this year.

"I like showing there," she said. "We're friends, and it gives us the chance to socialize while we show our art."

Vollero, an art instructor at DuBois campus, also said the festival is easier on visitors, since they don't have to worry about rain, and parking is readily available.

And people might be surprised by what they see.

"Some of the art work that we show might be a little less predictable," she said.

John Mangan, who will be displaying charcoal and pastel works on paper and wood, also said Another Choice offered a different approach than the others.

"It's a step down, but in a good way," he said.

Mangan said he wasn't surprised the festival has made it 10 years. The venue was perfect for the event, and the people involved were dedicated to it, he said.

And he also predicted the festival would continue for years to come.

"There's no reason not to," he said. "This is the week where Central Pennsylvania becomes the capital."