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Holly Hop Spreads the Christmas Cheer

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Some communities have a Christmas Parade where the spectators all stand in place while the participants parade by. For those looking for a bit more adventure…and a bit of exercise and fresh air in the process…there's the New Territory Arts Association's Holly Hop event coming December 9th sponsored by United Federal Credit Union.

It’s easy to get in the holiday spirit during the Holly Hop as you and your family and friends parade through the arts district of Benton Harbor. Hosted by The New Territory Arts Association (NTAA), this 5 to 9pm event features nearly a dozen art, music, dance, and restaurant venues.

Ken Ankli is NTAA President. He tells us, “Strolling between the galleries and shops, meeting up with family and friends, sipping hot chocolate – it’s a feel-good holiday experience.” 

Among the must-see Holly Hop stops you will find:
 

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  • The Benton Harbor Public Library at 213 E. Wall St., which will draw art hoppers with a wide selection of handcrafted gifts during its Holiday Bazaar. Local artisans will greet gift seekers at booths offering food, jewelry, ornaments, pottery and original paintings.
  • Water Street Glassworks at 140 Water St., which will host its annual holiday sale. It will fill its showroom with one-of-a-kind glass art, ornaments and holiday decorations. Artists also will do demonstrations throughout the evening and the Metal Works Studio will be open to visitors. Other enticements include plates of sweets and cups of hot chocolate, choco-wine (a delicious combination of red wine and hot chocolate) and hot chocolate laced with peppermint schnapps.
  • The Citadel Dance Center at 91 Hinkley St., will present its Dance, Music & Dessert Night with treats and special performances at 6 and 7:30pm. Admission: $5.
  • Family Fotos at the OutCenter located at 132 Water St., will celebrate the diversity and importance of family during the holidays. Photographs will feature families from the community.
  • The Sweet Bar by Mason Jar at 138 Water St., will let art hoppers discover something to give and something to get at its Jewelry Trunk Show. This pop-up gallery space will showcase handcrafted jewelry made of glass, metal, enamel, precious metal, clay and more! Paintings by Scott Elliott and little bird paintings and peg doll stocking stuffers by Saugatuck artists Olive and Lucy Alexander also will be available. The Sweet Bar is a popular warming station with a selection of artisan coffees, sodas, seasonal gelato and pastries.
  • ARS Gallery, Arts & Culture Center at 147 Fifth St., will highlight the work of local “I Am the Greatest” teen artists. Each painted, 3-ft. wood sculpture is a reflection on their thoughts and feelings about adversity. A limited edition of full size, “I Am the Greatest” (IATG) sculptures honoring the late Muhammed Ali will also be on sale to benefit the new IATG Legacy Project.
  • The Livery at 190 Fifth St., will feature local fiber artist Cara Garnett’s “Ebb & Flow.” This piece recently appeared at ArtPrize, an international art completion held annually in Grand Rapids. Garnett co-owns and works from nearby Pair Studio.
  • The Livery also will enthrall music enthusiasts with The Go Rounds’ 9pm high-energy performance. Free to the public, this progressive recording unit out of Kalamazoo is fueled by its diverse lineup and collaborative spirit. The band’s music is described as beauty meeting fury with influences from soul, baroque folk, art rock, country and classic rock ‘n’ roll.
  • 3 Pillars Music at 198 Water St., is a treasure trove for art hoppers wanting gifts for the audiophiles on their lists. This shop carries one of the best selections of musical instruments, amps, turntables and thousands of classic rock CDs and vinyl LPs, 45s and 78s.
  • The Collective Yoga Studio at 226 Territorial Rd., will encourage guests to live healthier in 2017 with its yoga demonstrations.
  • North Pier Brewing Company at 670 N. Shore Dr., will stay open until 11pm making it a great place to close out the tour and meet up with other art hoppers. They will offer selections from their rotating list of hand-crafted beers and Belgian-inspired and yeast-forward ales. 

For updates on the Holly 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.

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