Lakeshore Art Festival – Opening Doors and a Kayak Adventure!
Muskegon, MI – The award winning Lakeshore Art Festival, held on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7, will feature nearly 400 exhibitors, several new and unique artful experiences and two more streets of activity!
To accommodate this year’s record number of exhibitors, the Lakeshore Art Festival footprint will add: Clay Ave between Second and Third Streets and Second Street between Clay Ave and Western Ave. “The Lakeshore Art Festival has been getting national attention since its inaugural year in 2013. This recognition results in record exhibitor numbers, higher quality art and increased guest attendance!” commented Lakeshore Art Festival Director Carla Flanders.
The focus of the Lakeshore Art Festival is to present one-of-a-kind art to attendees and a lasting sense of creativity to the local community. The Lakeshore Art Festival will offer the following new artful components…
Kayak Sculpture Public Art Project: As home to the world’s largest kayak manufacturer, Muskegon will feature a unique downtown art experience incorporating real kayaks. KL Outdoor has provided eight kayaks for “invited” Michigan artists to create sculptures. They will be unveiled on July 5 and on display throughout the summer. The outdoor locations include the Farmers Market, L.C. Walker Arena, Lakeshore Museum Center, Western Market and more. This project is also supported by the Muskegon Museum of Art.
Emerging Authors Tent: This year a new exhibitor section will welcome 18 Michigan authors as part of the festival. These authors will showcase their original books on a variety of topics and most will be on hand for one-on-one conversation.
The Door Project: “Opening Doors to Possibilities” is this year’s community art project. Upcycled doors will be turned into works of art. The Door Project will include 15 local schools decorating/painting refurbished doors that will be displayed during the festival. The public can join in on this project during an interactive door painting celebration on-site. This project is made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and partnership with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, Nuveen Art Center and Habitat for Humanity/ReStore.
Volunteer Opportunities: If you like art and people, this festival is the best place to volunteer your time and talent. The hours will fly by when you feel the energy and excitement in Downtown Muskegon. You can register to volunteer online at www.lakeshoreartfestival.org or by emailing artfestvolunteer@www.muskegon.org.
In addition to the new activities, Lakeshore Art Festival favorites will return with a Wine and Craft Beer Garden in Hackley Park, Student Art Showcase, Chalk the Walk event, live entertainment and a Children’s Lane.
Businesses interested in supporting this locally and nationally recognized festival through sponsorship can contact Carla Flanders at artfest@www.muskegon.org. For more information, times and locations visit lakeshoreartfestival.org.
CONTACT: CARLA FLANDERS, LAKESHORE ART FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
PHONE: 231-724-3176
cflanders@www.muskegon.org