There may be no better, or fun, way to celebrate the impending arrival of spring than by taking part in the festivities planned for the first Art Hop of 2016 from the New Territory Arts Association in the Benton Harbor Arts District coinciding with the celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
The New Territory Arts Association (NTAA) is celebrating spring’s arrival in the Arts District with a St. Patrick Art Hop, next Friday, March 18, from 6 to 9pm. More than a dozen galleries, restaurants and businesses will participate in this popular gathering of friends and family.
Ken Ankli is the President of the NTAA. He says, “We have several new venues participating this Art Hop.” Those new venues include, Bakers Downtown Pub & Eatery, Dwellers, The Grille at Harbor Shores, Pair Studio and a Spring Jewelry Caravan. All will be adding their brand of entertainment to the St. Patrick festivities.
Here's what you'll find at the spring art hop:
- Baker’s Downtown Pub and Eatery, 190 Territorial, is one of the Benton Harbor Art District’s newest drinking establishments. It will feature vendor giveaways, prizes and discounts on drinks and food.
- Dwellers Coworking, 140 5th St., will showcase artwork in its rental workspace designed for brainstorming and collaborative meetings.
- The Grille at Harbor Shores, 201 Graham Ave, is located in the Harbor Shores Clubhouse, on the outer boundaries of the Benton Harbor Arts District. It will entice visitors to take a longer walk with St. Patrick’s Day specials plus the premiere of its new 2016 menu featuring locally sourced foods. The Grille will extend its Art Hop hours ‘til 10 p.m.
- Pair Studio, 74 W. Wall St., will serve refreshments while studio artists, Laura Boyce and Cara Garnett, give live demonstrations and display work in progress.
- The Spring Jewelry Caravan, 138 Water St., will offer Art Hoppers an opportunity to enjoy refreshments while “shopping for a cause.” A percentage of sales from this special trunk show featuring jewelry artists Jackie Baker, Lynne Clayton, Gena Edwards, Jan Kimball, Drew Rendell and Tina Tavolacci, will support the Fired Up! after-school glass program at Water Street Glassworks. The sale will continue from 12-4 p.m., March 19.
- Wall Street Studios, 76 W. Wall St., will present new paintings by Scott Elliott during a reception as well as updates about the SoMa/Wall Street Neighborhood.
- Murfee’s Boutique, 82 West Main, will offer refreshments and a 75 percent off sale to make room for their spring high-end fashions for women.
- The OutCenter, 132 Water St., will host Lea Bult and her politically relevant artwork.
- Water Street Glassworks, 140 Water St., will showcase the glass and metal art work of its Weekend Warriors (artists who also hold day jobs in the community) in its Dorris Akers Gallery. This work, plus Hot Glass and Cold Beer hand blown, uniquely created beer mugs, will be available for purchase. During the event, the mugs can be filled with beer at no charge at this site. The evening also includes glass blowing and torch demonstrations plus an Art Hop $10 discount on spring class registrations.
- The Oak Room at The Citadel, 91 Hinkley, St. will show The Coastline Children’s Film Festival, 1931 Charlie Chaplin silent film, City Lights at 7.30 p.m. Dr. Larry Schanker will accompany the film on piano.
- 3 Pillars Music, 198 Water St., will celebrate its second anniversary during the event. It is a local source for new and pre-loved vinyl records, audio equipment and musical instruments.
- 210 Art Space + The Mason Jar, 210 Water St., will serve refreshments during its group show and studio tours. The Char Jones Music Studio, also located at this site, will host its Grand Opening. It will offer Art Hop visitors who sign up for classes a 20 percent discount on the first year of lessons.
- ARS Gallery, Arts & Culture Center, 147 5th St., will exhibit Dirk Sorrels landscapes and water horizons. Live music, small bites, and refreshments also will be available.
- The Livery Gallery (balcony level), 190 5th St., will feature Erika Noelle Bontrager’s “Love in Color.” The Livery also will host an Art Hop After-Party starting at 9 p.m. with specials on food, drinks and tickets. During the party, Ann Arbor’s Appleseed Collective will perform its Dixie-Gypsy roots-music with a modern twist. Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door.
- The Benton Harbor Public Library, 213 Wall St., will round out the destinations with an opening reception for ArtPrize artist Chloe Viening-Butler’s exhibit that runs until April 16 in the auditorium.
For updates on the St. Patrick Art Hop or information about upcoming events, contact: info@newterritoryarts.org or follow New Territory Arts Association on Facebook.
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.
