The Benton Harbor Arts District will be overflowing with cheer during this year’s Holiday Hoppin’ Bazaar, which will take place on Friday, December 9th, from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. Presented by the Benton Harbor Arts Association, a happy, happy Holiday time will take over participating businesses of the Arts District, as attendees gather for the tree lighting, visit with Santa, hop from shop to shop, and more.
“This is the second year we’ve turned our Winter Art Hop into the Holiday Hoppin Bazaar,” says BHAA Vice President Bethany Cubbage. “This event, along with the other four Art Hops the BHAA throws per year, are very important to the Arts District because it gives the community, and people outside of the community, a chance to come see what the galleries and businesses in the arts district have to offer.”
The Benton Harbor Public Library is always a wonderland of stories and storytellers, and during this December 9th event, the auditorium on the second floor is where you’ll find local celebrities ready to read! Beginning at 4:30 p.m, you will hear from Ashley Hines & Meagan Lee, Wilson & Arika Chandler, Dennavia Mojet, Candi Purdiman, Bernice Mason, and Chris Bernick, as they capture your ear and help your imagination grow. The Art Hop in the Library will begin at 5 p.m down on the main floor, and will feature vendors Jackie Baker, Kathi Anserello, Candi Purdiman, and Kat Boyer.
Santa will be located inside the Oak Room at the Citadel Dance & Music Center, as well as mixed media art that will be available for purchase by young artist Alayjah Thompson. Young dancers and musicians will give live demonstrations from their Young Artist classes in the Dance Building. Kindermusik, Preschool Dance, and Acro Dance will showcase their talents from 5 to 6:30 p.m, as a beautiful exhibit to the types of programs and classes the Citadel offers to the community.
The gorgeous tree in Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park will twinkle and shine at 6 p.m, when the annual tree lighting ceremony fills the city with warmth and magic.
Souls Ground Cafe will be open during the festivities, and this new vegan cafe is something you don’t want to miss! Their winter menu debuted mid-November, and the seasonal offerings will keep you deliciously warm and nourished. The cafe will feature Ms. Mamies Boutique, and the Vintage Clothing and Accessories she has for sale.
ARS Gallery on 5th street will be displaying the stunning work of New Zealand artist Emma Bass, and painting by Amelia Briske and Ara Lucia, celebrating Women In The Arts. Anna Russo-Seiber offers light refreshments and holiday cheer, as you enjoy this fantastic evening with friends old and new.
Artist Scott Elliott will have small and miniature oil paintings on display at Ben’s Pretzels Artist Lounge, where his works allow you to “ find a little something for everyone!” The Hawk’s Nest highlights six different artists in their gorgeous space at 165 E. Main Street, and will have an interactive kids corner with crafts. The Lakeside Connection Collection at the Richard Hunt Studios presents American and International Art, with paintings, mixed media, ceramics and prints for sale.
Water Street Glassworks will host glass blowing demonstrations, and their expertly handcrafted Christmas ornaments will be for sale throughout the evening (and season). Each piece is a work of art unique in its own color and patterns, and shaped by hand by their talented studio artists.
The Livery will close out the nights festivities with a Post Art Hop Honor Cover show, featuring the band The Quasi Kings. The show starts at 8 p.m!
The Holiday Hoppin’ Bazaar is going to be such a fun evening, with so many small businesses to shop and visit. “I love this event in general, because it makes it easy to shop small!” Bethany says. “This is a beautiful district with so much art and culture, and so much opportunity for growth. When you come to the Holiday Hoppin’ Bazaar, you’re supporting your community, your neighbors and your friends.”
The Benton Harbor Arts Association was founded in 1998 to create a vital Benton Harbor Arts District, through community outreach and advocacy for the arts. They are a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Benton Harbor Arts District, with a firm belief that “Art Builds Community.” Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to Benton Harbor on December 9th, and celebrate the togetherness of the season!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
