Perhaps the very best part about the quarterly Art Hop celebrations in the Benton Harbor Arts District is you never know what new experience you’ll enjoy, what new venue you will discover and what new friends you will make. One thing is certain though, you know that summer has arrived when the New Territory Arts Association rolls out plans for their annual Summer Solstice Art Hop.
Essentially, an annual multi-block party, the Summer Solstice Art Hop is less than a week away now. This year’s family-friendly celebration is slated for Friday, June 16 from 6 to 9pm throughout the eclectic Arts District. Art Hoppers will find nationally acclaimed artwork, free entertainment, local foods and beverages and more at venues and parks north of Main Street in downtown Benton Harbor. New this year is an interactive art exhibit, The Fun Squad, that will excite all ages.
Ken Ankli is President of the New Territory Arts Association, and he says, “Wait until you see this exhibit at 123 Hinkley Street created by Nathan Margoni and 15 other regional artists.” He promises, “There will be a giant unicorn horn, pony laser light show, a Margoni Monster, a tire swing suspended from the rafters over the dance floor and more. This art exhibit will make you laugh. To find it, just look for the giant green F-U-N letters on the side of the building.”
In addition to Margoni, participating Fun Squad artists include Lea Bult, Clement Teo, Tami Miller, Cara Garnett, Laura Boyce, Shannon Eakins, Marc Dombrosky, Ellen Nelson, Jennifer Zona, Janet Bruhn, Joshua Mason, Paul Vetne, Ryan Klund, Ben Good and Brittany Stecker. Dance music will be provided by Tommy Groves.
Another headliner event is the Special Opening Reception for nationally acclaimed sculptor, Richard Hunt’s Private African Collection and Book Signing at ARS Gallery, Arts & Culture Center. This fundraising event is from 5 to 6pm at 147 Fifth Street. Those in attendance will have the chance to meet the world renowned sculptor, Richard Hunt in person, receive a signed copy of his art book, take a tour of the exhibit and enjoy small bites and champagne refreshments. Tickets are $50 and are available at ARS or online.
Following the Hunt reception, Art Hoppers may enjoy the collection until 8pm. Mr. Hunt, a native of Chicago, has received numerous awards and accolades. His sculptures appear in museums, private and public collections throughout the U.S.
Ankli says, “This Art Hop we are also going to feature pop-up artist booths.” Laura Boyce, in addition to showing in the Fun Squad exhibit, will introduce her new jewelry company, Transmutas, in a booth along Water Street. Her handmade jewelry pieces, designed for men and women, transform found objects such as leather, porcelain, imported brass and recycled glass beads into wearable art.
Photographer John Gatto will have a pop-up booth in Arts Park. He’ll present photographs of Benton Harbor’s streets and architecture taken over the last two years. His work speaks of the beauty of everything, at every stage in time and in whatever condition they are found.
Trash 2 Treasure, located at 196 Water Street is a pop-up booth that will be staged in the parking lot south of Brammall Industrial Supply. Visitors will learn more about the group that up-cycles Southwest Michigan’s “cool junk” to people who turn it into their own treasures.
Ankli says that Water Street Glassworks, at 140 Water Street, will have a jewelry trunk show from 5 to 9pm featuring the diverse work of six regional jewelers. Featured artists are Jackie Baker, Lynne Clayton, Gina Edwards, Barb Hogarth, Donna Sauers and Tina Tavolocci. Visitors can select from pieces made with vintage beads, handmade glass beads, enamel, beach glass, copper, wood and mixed media. A percentage of each purchase will support the Water Street Glassworks FIRED UP! teen jewelry artists.
Other participating venues include:
- 3 Pillars Music at 198 Water Street will provide Art Hoppers with sips and bites as well as special pricing on long-sought-after LPs, 45s, and cassettes along with guitars, amplifiers and music accessories.
- 210 Art Space at 210 Water Street offers a gallery that will display the latest collection of regional artwork.
- The Citadel Dance & Music Center at 91 Hinkley and 204 Water Street with feature live music and refreshments throughout the evening.
- The Livery at 190 5th Street encourages visitors to pick their favorites from 18 hand-forged microbrews and café fare, then enjoy them indoors or out. At 9pm the free after-party begins, featuring Flatland Harmony Experiment. This high-octane, three-piece bluegrass jam band is based out of Indianapolis, and wows audiences with its instrument mix, carefully crafted lyrics and intensity.
- The Oak Room at the Citadel located at 91 Hinkley Street invites Art Hoppers upstairs to see emerging local talent in the Youth Arts Showcase from 4 to 6pm, then linger for refreshments while taking in the “Where Wild Meets Whimsical,” ink and pencil drawings by Cara Kovacs, from 6 to 9pm.
For updates on the Summer Solstice 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.