Some 59 years ago, a small gathering of artists decided to celebrate their craft with what would become the first of dozens of such celebrations by launching the first ever South Haven Art Fair. Next weekend, those who have followed in their footsteps are still celebrating their craft in what has become a substantial show drawing tens of thousands of visitors, fans, artists and collectors. It’s time for the 59th Annual South Haven Art Fair and it happens next Saturday and Sunday, July 1st and 2nd in the peaceful setting of Stanley Johnson Park just a block off of the sandy, sunny shores of Lake Michigan.
Those who make the trek will experience drawing, painting, works in clay, digital art, fiber art, glass, photography, sculpture, mixed media and jewelry, accompanied by a backdrop of music, local Michigan food, and art activities for kids. The Casco Band will serenade the crowd with patriotic music on Sunday at 2:00pm, an art fair tradition and fun Independence Day treat. And the Michigan Flywheelers will exhibit an antique tractor which they will raffle off at the close of the fair.
The Art Fair is a juried show, and this year’s jurors include Jim Bridenstine, long-time Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Art; University of Michigan BFA graduate Carol Myer, a mixed media artist and teacher who maintains a studio in Watervliet, and painter David Baker, an art professor of 36 years at Southwestern Michigan College and current faculty member at the Ox-Bow School of Art in Saugatuck.
What began as a small art fair in 1959 presented by The South Haven Art League, whose members displayed their works on clotheslines in the park, the event has grown to welcome between 40,000-50,000 visitors each year, and has become the South Haven Center for the Arts’ major annual fundraiser.
Thea Grigsby is Executive Director for the Center. She says, “This year’s art fair is the most competitive yet, with one out three entries chosen to exhibit, and we’re honored to have so many fine artists participating. We’re pleased to welcome a host of Michigan talent combined with many new artists whose art we believe will surprise and delight you. And we hope our visitors enjoy Michigan food vendors that will offer a variety of tasty treats, from deep fried pickles and French crepes to exotic drinks served in pineapples, watermelons and coconuts.”
The 2017 Art Fair’s lead sponsors include Albemarle, Meijer, Beyer Construction, Bronson Healthcare, Four Winds Casino and VanDerZee Motorplex.
For more information visit Southhavenarts.org, email info.shca@gmail.com, or call (269) 637-1041. To stay current on happenings at the SHCA, follow them on both Facebook and Twitter.
