The Mt. Pleasant-based arts organization Art Reach of Mid Michigan is busily preparing for their biggest month of the year. That’s because August means Art Walk Central in the city, a public arts celebration and competition.
The event installs art works in public places, businesses, and institutions throughout town. More than 120 artists will take part in this year’s main event, which includes juried and people’s choice competitions. The top adult winner receives a $5,000 prize.
This year’s event will award $11,000 in total prize money.
"Art Walk Central is an art infusion that takes place throughout the month of August. We provide free programming with lots of opportunities for the public to take in and participate in the arts," says Amy Powell, Executive Director for Art Reach of Mid Michigan.
"You could say it’s our premier event of the year."
In addition to the main event, there are a number of other events and programs in which the public can take part.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, there will be an Artists Battle in front of the Art Reach headquarters on Broadway. Artists have until Tuesday, Aug. 6 to register for the competition, which has artists arrive with a blank canvas and then start and complete their work in two hours. A people’s choice vote will determine the winner, a $200 prize.
Other events include free make-and-take crafting sessions for children, an Antiques Roadshow-style valuation of people’s personal art collections, a Road Rally scavenger hunt, and more.
"Art Walk is important to us because it hits on all of our goals in keeping the arts alive and accessible in the community," Powell says.
"People get to see and experience art they otherwise wouldn’t see."
Art Walk Central begins on Monday, Aug. 5 and continues throughout the month. The winners ceremony, public art auction, and masquerade ball is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
Visit Art Reach of Mid Michigan online for a listing of events and times.
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