The Kaleidoscope Arts Festival begins Thursday afternoon with an opening celebration.

The reception will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Boozel Dining Hall, marking the beginning of the 2½ week festival.

“We have 35 events this year,” Deanna Brookens, Kaleidoscope festival director, said.

“Usually we have anywhere from 25 to 30. So it is a little bigger.”

Brookens said the festival helps expose the Slippery Rock community to art from around the world by bringing it a little closer, like a screening of “Loving Vincent.”

“Every shot is a different oil painting,” Brookens said. “That's one that people are pretty excited about.”

The event also has a lot of opportunities for local artists to connect with their community, and there are plenty of opportunities for residents to buy local art in a family friendly atmosphere, like at the Kaleidoscope on Main event.

“It's just a kind of fun relaxed community event,” Brookens said.

Dance, music, theatre and art events will continue through April 28 on the SRU campus.

Most events are free. Visit www.sru.edu/kaleidoscope for more information.