The highly anticipated 9th annual ARTS in the Street festival is set to take place this Saturday, July 29, from 10 am to 3 pm in historic Downtown Plymouth. This vibrant event, which is free to attend, promises a day of artistic celebration, creativity, and community engagement.
Hosted on Michigan Street between LaPorte and Garro Streets, the festival will be a haven for art enthusiasts and families seeking a fun-filled day of activities. With over 60 artist and artisan booths from across the state and surrounding areas, visitors will have the unique opportunity to connect with talented creators, providing them with an unforgettable shopping experience while supporting local art and artists. The variety of offerings will be diverse, ranging from pottery to fine art, jewelry, woodworking, fiber arts, paper, glasswork, handmade soaps and candles, plants, leatherwork, and much more.
“This festival and its growth are a testament to the need for art in our community. I am blown away by both the number and variety of artists and craftspeople, our dynamic musical lineup, food and drink options, and the diverse array of arts experiences available to all ages. Art should be accessible to everyone, so we try to make sure that our community has meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts in a variety of ways. This festival does just that,” says Anna Kietzman, Heartland Artists President, and ARTS in the Street Festival Director.
Attendees can look forward to a schedule packed with entertainment at the festival’s outdoor stage. Beginning at 10 am, the festival will feature 7 music and dance performances on the hour, featuring favorite local dance groups like Expressions Dance Studio, Core Dance Centre, and the sensational This Homemade Conspiracy band. Regional and Midwestern groups like the indie-alternative band, City Sun, and regional acoustic band, Sundays at 9, will also grace the stage, with a special appearance by the beloved Irish band, Kennedy’s Kitchen. Visitors are highly encouraged to bring their chairs for a more comfortable experience.
Art lovers of all ages will be delighted with over 20 hands-on artmaking and arts experiences available throughout the festival. From intuitive painting with Melissa Bee to creating a community mural from vinyl, engaging in button-making, and even trash barrel painting, attendees can craft their masterpieces and contribute to collaborative works of art. A highlight of this year’s festival will be the inclusion of 3D chalk artist, John Buggs, from Laporte, and the first-ever chalk art contest open to all ages. Free to enter, participants can showcase their chalk art creativity and compete for cash prizes. Judging will take place at 2:30 pm, and supplies will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring their materials.
The festival will see some favorites return, including the talented balloon artist from Twist & Smile Balloons, free face painting by the Arty People, and the awe-inspiring illusion and magic tricks by Norman Basile, which will undoubtedly add to the excitement and joy of the event.
Leading up to the festival, art enthusiasts can also indulge in the inaugural 4-day Marshall County Plein Air Invitational, taking place from July 26 to 29th. A dozen artists from Indiana and surrounding states will create live paintings around Marshall County, including scenes from the Mayor’s Month of Music the night before as well as during the festival. Works will be on display in the lobby of the REES Theater and will culminate in a public art sale from 3 pm to 4:30 pm inside the theater.
Culinary delights will abound, with 6 food booths and food trucks offering delectable treats. Beary’s Ice Cream, Crave On Food Truck, Chubby Buddies BBQ, Deysi’s Tacos, Algeria Campestre, and Opie’s beer and wine will satisfy every palate.
In addition to the festival’s outdoor attractions, visitors are encouraged to explore the Heartland Artists Gallery, showcasing art from local members. The gallery will also feature watercolor paintings by the talented Nancy Turner, with a closing reception from 1 pm to 3 pm, accompanied by music from Kennedy’s Kitchen. Additionally, guests can admire the works of Erica Coffing, a Heartland member and recipient of the Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp fellowship, featuring her captivating portraits of LGBTQ individuals living in Indiana.
The downtown arts organizations will also join in the festivities by offering free arts activities to the public. The Wild Rose Moon will host their “Art & Artisans” series documentary, while The Museum will provide a fun Shrinky dink-making experience. Moreover, downtown shops will open their doors, welcoming everyone to explore their diverse array of products.
The Heartland Artists would like to especially thank the festival volunteers for making sure this event is a success, and to this year’s sponsors: Marshall County Arts & Culture Council, Visit Marshall County, Edward Jones, Hoosier Racing Tire, Bin There Dump That Michiana, Vanadco Signs, First Federal Savings Bank, Zentis North America, Greg & Susan Payne, Liebe Charitable Fund, Tri Kappa, U.S. Granules Corporation, Eleanor & Randy Danielson, Growing Kids Learning Centers, Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, Mr. Storage, Jon & Mary Kubley, Shelley Heiden, & Culligan Water.
The 9th annual ARTS in the Street festival promises to be a celebration of art, creativity, and community spirit. Join us on July 29, 2023, from 10 am to 3 pm in Downtown Plymouth for a day of unforgettable experiences and artistic exploration. For more information and updates, please visit www.heartlandartgallery.com.
The Heartland Artists Gallery’s mission is to support area artists and to bring and teach the arts to our community. Our not-for-profit gallery gives area artists a venue to show and sell their artwork. Activities are made possible, in part, by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and The Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and The National Endowment for the Arts. Visit www.heartlandgallery.com and find us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, contact the gallery at 574-936-9515, which is located at 101 N. Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth.
Photo Caption 1: Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances on the hour at the 9th Annual ARTS in the Street festival.
Photo Caption 2: Visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of art-making experiences offered at the ARTS in the Street festival.
Photo Caption 3: Visitors and art enthusiasts will have an array of booths featuring the works of over 60 artists and craftspeople from across the state and surrounding areas at the ARTS in the Street festival this Saturday, July 29th from 1-3pm
