If you’ve been to The Box anytime in recent weeks, you’ve undoubtedly seen the “Pardon Our Dust” signs as The Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph has been busy renovating and reconstructing their gift shop. It has been far more than a simple renovation, however, as the team at The Box has been evolving it into an Artisan Market and they’re just about ready to throw open the doors onto their Grand Opening.
You are invited to get into the Box for the Grand Opening of their new and improved Art Market. Make plans to join them for an all-day event filled with fun for the whole family, wherein you will be introduced to some of their artists and artisans as well as have the opportunity to view their wonderful work.
The Art Market Grand Opening will take place on Friday, July 21st at the Box Factory for the Arts, and activities throughout the day have been planned to connect the public to the artists. Hear their stories, watch demonstrations, and learn about their chosen artistic paths. Enjoy the unique artisan creations and more. Be one of the first to view the new work in the Art Market store, from jewelry to paintings to poetry and Box Factory gifts, there is something for everyone.
Here’s what’s planned for that day:
- 10:30AM- Poetry reading and Q & A on tapping into your creativity with writer Nan Lundeen
- 11:30AM- Wool weaving with Wood and Wool’s owner Christine Tubbs
- 1:00PM- Jewelry making with Susan DeMeester
- 2:30PM- Robin Maxon demonstrates her watercolor techniques
- 5:30PM- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- 6:00PM- Call for Artists
Here’s a bit about the Artists involved in ArtMarket in the Box:
- Susan DeMeester –Gemologist — www.demeester.jewelershowcase.com — Susan moved to St. Joseph from Middlebury, Indiana and loves to soak up the beauty surrounding the Lake Michigan shoreline. Her expertise in jewelry making began in Indianapolis, continued in Destin, Florida and at the Gemological Institute of America, where she received the coveted Graduate Gemologist Diploma. She is passionate about rare gemstones in making her exceptional jewelry and has been influenced by many extraordinary couture jewelry designers. Her appreciation for their fine artwork is reflected in her jewelry designs. Susan started her own company, DeMeester Ltd., to create and show her one~of~a~kind pieces. Many have called her jewelry pieces awe inspiring. Being passionate also about meeting her client’s needs, she invites you to schedule a visit with her at demeesterjeweler@aol.com
- Nan Lundeen — writer — http://www.nanlundeen.com. Nan is an award-winning author who resides right here in Southwest Michigan. Nan leads Moo of Writing workshops. Her article, “Find Your Moos” was published by the U.K.’s Writing Magazine. Her columns on writing have appeared in femalefirst.co.uk. Her poetry has been published in journals including, Connecticut River Review, College of Charleston’s Illuminations, Yemassee Journal, The Petigru Review, Horizons, online by the Iowa Review’s Iowa Writes and the University of South Carolina Poetry Initiative’s chapbook poetry series, and forthcoming from Atlanta Review. Her journalism has appeared in The Detroit News Sunday Magazine, the Grand Rapids Press, the Connecticut Post, The Greenville News, and others.
- Robin Maxon — Local watercolor artist — http://www.robinmaxon.com/. Robin says, “When I paint with watercolor, I attempt to capture the light and color of something common, natural or unexpected. Most of my paintings are done from my own photos and include a variety of subjects including still life, birds, animals, landscapes, and flowers. My painting style is fairly realistic yet I try to incorporate some abstract elements to keep it fun!”
- Christine Tubbs — knitter, spinner, weaver, and crocheting — Christine Tubbs has been in business since 2005. She has been creating beautiful works of art with wood and wool since then. Christine knits, spins, weaves, and crochets the wool to make one of a kind creations. She encourages you to stop in and watch her in action as she spins wool into beautiful works of art that is functional and unique.
The Box Factory for the Arts is located at 1101 Broad Street in St. Joseph. For more information, contact the Box Factory for the Arts at 269.983.3688 or visit https://boxfactoryforthearts.org/
