The Benton Harbor Arts District’s Spring Art Hop tomorrow night, Friday, March 16th, will be particularly noteworthy for those seeking to get a peek behind the curtain at the District’s newest venue, GhostLight. For three hours from 6pm until 9pm the Arts District will come alive to herald the arrival of spring which officially arrives in town next Tuesday.
Ten venues will join the walkable, family-friendly celebration of art, music, film, theater, food and libations held in the Arts District’s galleries, eateries and performance spaces. Topping the list of go-to places will be the sneak peek of GhostLight.
Ken Ankli is President of the Art Hop’s sponsoring organization, the New Territory Arts Association. Regarding GhostLight, Ankli says, “Their inaugural season isn’t slated until 2019, but local artists Andy Sawyer, Meredith George and Larry Underwood wanted to introduce the revolutionary creative space that’s coming.” He adds, “During Spring Art Hop, you’ll be able to walk through GhostLight’s unfinished space at 123 Hinkley Street to see their installation called ‘A~Lumen~Nation.’”
The artists describe this GhostLight project as an alluring spring awakening of moving images, solar-powered shadows and fractural projections.
Also included in the evening will be a preview performance of Lake Michigan College’s spring show, “HAIRSPRAY! The Musical,” at 7:30pm. Director Paul Mow and his cast and crew will provide a taste of the fun audiences will see at The Mendel Center Mainstage Theatre on March 23rd, 24th and 25th.
Another big contributor to the Spring Art Hop lineup will be The Livery at 190 Fifth Street. The popular regional brewery will kick off the evening at 5:15pm with “Firk Yeah, It’s Friday.” It will tap a specialty firkin and add to its menu “The Reuben,” a St. Patrick’s Day-themed, hand-tossed pizza topped with homemade corned beef stewed in The Livery’s Blacksmith stout.
The Livery gallery will debut the “From Me to You” art exhibit of local artist and painter Markianna Svorec whose style takes “viewers’ heads to a fun place.” The evening then continues at 9pm when legendary rock band, Poobah! steps onto The Livery’s stage. These musicians have toured the world with Foghat, Uriah Heep, Alice Cooper, ZZ Top and many more. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door.
Other venue stops include:
- 3 Pillars Music at 198 Water Street which will celebrate its Fourth Anniversary in the District with sips, bites, and special deals on LP’s, 45’s and cassettes. Visitors are encouraged to check out their guitars, amps and accessories, too.
- ARS Gallery/Arts & Culture Center at 147 Fifth Street will host an opening reception for their new exhibit of work by local portrait artist Robert Williams. Art hoppers can meet the artist over small bites, libations and live music.
- Artists at 210 Water Street will open Brad Bigford’s “Portraits of Portugal” exhibit in its gallery. The diverse works of other area artists will also be viewable.
- Dwellers Co-Working invites art hoppers to check out its “new digs” in the Federal Building at Territorial Road and Sixth Street. This venue provides attractive work and meeting spaces for freelance creatives, entrepreneurs and those wanting workspace flexibility.
- The Oak Room at the Citadel Dance and Music Center at 91 Hinkley is one of eight sites for the 8th Annual Coastline Children’s Film Festival. At 5:30pm there will be a showing of The Young Filmmakers films and the presentation of the Red Carpet Awards. At 7pm, visitors can then see two silent Charlie Chaplin films accompanied by pianist Larry Schanker. A $1 donation is suggested.
- The OutCenter at 132 Water Street will feature oil paintings by St. Joseph artist Erica Roberts whose work explores the fantasy genre.
- The Phoenix Coffeeshop at 124 Water Street will offer art hoppers a variety of caffeinated beverages and light fare for purchase until closing at 8pm.
- Water Street Glassworks at 140 Water Street will greet the coming of spring with glassblowing demonstrations, refreshments and an array of handmade beer mugs and shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, glass flowers, newly hatched glass chicks and eggs.
The New Territory Arts Association is a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to the revitalization of Benton Harbor through the arts. Founded in 1998, it has been responsible for many Benton Harbor Arts District events and arts-related community programming. For updates on the Spring Art Hop or information about upcoming events, contact: info@newterritoryarts.org or follow New Territory Arts Association on Facebook.
