With many forms of art on display next weekend at the Benton Harbor Arts District Summer Art Hop, one longtime shop has announced a new event.
3 Pillars Music, in conjunction with Think Tank Marketing, is set to host more than a dozen local authors and artists from 5 to 8 p.m. at the “Authors and Artists Bazaar” outside the music shop at 198 Water Street.
“There used to be more artists where the Mason Jar Café is, but then they kind of cleared those people out because they wanted to do some upgrades in the back,” Ives said. “So that’s when I thought, ‘Hey, maybe it’s a good idea if we have the artist be strewn along the whole front of our building.'”
The authors – whose work ranges from children’s books to guidebooks – will be joined by an array of area visual artists selling unique art items including quilling, fiber art, resin art, suncatchers and paintings.
There will be wine and snacks available, with live music by Dan Maxon.
“When Tom and I talked about doing this event, we were pleasantly surprised at how many authors responded,” said event co-creator and local author Julee Laurent. We knew we had a lot of talented writers here in our community, but seeing how many, and how entrepreneurial they are with their releases was inspiring,” “We are excited to bring a group of them together with some of our amazing local artists to create something new and shine a light on the writing community.
Laurent said she hopes this partnership between visual arts arts and written arts expands the offerings of the local arts community.
“We have heard from so many authors after the event was announced that we are working on making this a monthly event this summer,” Laurent said. “Hopefully we can grow this celebration of local authors and highlight them all.”
Featured Authors
Ann Miller – Pocketguide to Upper Midwest Hatches
Janet Beutner – Zip and Zap, and the Zip and Zap Activity Book
Candi Purdiman – Mamas Apologize Too
Jessica Pennington – Love Songs and Other Lies, Meet Me At Midnight, When Summer Ends
Chrissy Larkin Meek – The Magic Puppy & Happy Tail
Cherie Okonski – The Secret of Gumper The Rabbit
Julee Laurent – A Seat with the A List (Stories from Spago) & Lola and Lazlo
Featured Artists
- Miranda Skibbe – Quilling
- Nicole Rimes – Mixed Media
- Jessica Hightower – Painting
- Maggie Smith – Resin Art and Painting
- Karen Joy – Fiber Art
- Big Grin Productions – Suncatchers
3 Pillars Music’s full selection of vinyl and instruments will be available for sale inside with artist and authors set up inside the store and out on the sidewalk in front of the store.
To learn more and see updates visit the event page for Think Tank Media on Facebook. Admission is free. Authors and artists will have their work for purchase at the event.
