A fun new arts and music series will be wrapping up its second season this Friday September 10th in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Arts in the Park brings together local artist’s, music, and food trucks every week, giving residents and visitors a chance to support local arts on a more regular basis.
“We came up with the idea for the Arts in the Park Summer Series in mid-2020. Our mission is to support a vibrant Benton Harbor Arts District, and after the majority of our events were cancelled last year due to Covid, we didn’t see that happening,” explains New Territory Arts Association Vice President Kelly Vega. “In the past, we always held a large 1-day event called Artoberfest with tons of local music and the streets lined with artists. We saw Arts in the Park as a way to scale down this massive event and spread out the support as well as the crowd. Each Arts in the Park event featured one local musician or band and up to 15 local artists.”
The featured musical act at this year’s season finale will be a solo performance by multi-instrumentalist and powerhouse vocalist Andrew Fisher. Fisher says he is excited to be able to perform and see everyone is a great setting.
“It’s just going to be me and a piano singing the night away. I’m going to be keeping it modern and play songs that have been speaking to me,” says Fisher. “I am really looking forward to seeing all the faces I missed since COVID. It’s going to be a chill and fun evening.”
At the artists booths, there will be a diverse array of items to peruse and purchase. These include:
Jessica Hightower – painter of the “My Color is Beautiful” series
Becky Wehmer – ceramic and glass functional pottery
Art by Graves – detailed pen & ink illustrations
Sweet Karma Crystals – crystal jewelry and creations
Dragons Fly Beads & Fiber Arts
CC Chainmaille – chainmaille jewelry, ornaments, decorations, scale dice bags, chainmaille dice bags, & more
Jessibeads Designs – necklaces, bracelets, and earrings handcrafted with love
A Honu Tie Dye – handmade, unique tie dye apparel and accessories
Kindred Root – natural products
Anna Strach – $5 handmade earrings
Unsalted Studios – beach glass art
Tina Tavolacci – copper and glass enamel jewelry, bowls, spoons, & pendants
Junk to Jazz by Dorothy Jean Carter – hand painted upcycled clothing and decor
Water Street Glassworks – FIRED UP! glassblowing students
The Livery will be open and has tables right next to the event for anyone who wants to pop in and get a microbrew or dinner.
Arts in the Park takes place at 155 6th St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Street parking is available. Doors open at 6pm and art and music goes until 9pm. To find out more visit https://newterritoryarts.org/events.html
By Julee Laurent, MoodyOnTheMarket.com Contributor
