KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) announced that the Art on the Mall event will return to downtown Kalamazoo this summer.
The two-day arts festival will be held on June 4 from 12 to 8 p.m. and June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Art on the Mall returns to downtown Kalamazoo in June 2021. (Photo courtesy Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo).
This year’s festival will include artwork of all kinds from regional and local artists, art demonstrations, live entertainment and more.
Art on the Mall is a free event to the public.
For more than 40 years, officials say Art on the Mall has been a part of downtown Kalamazoo’s kick-off to summer arts weekend.
To remain conscious of the state of the pandemic, the Arts Council is scaling back this year’s festivities to a maximum of 35 artists, which will be spread out across the walking vicinity of the Kalamazoo Mall.
The festival will also follow all CDC and City of Kalamazoo public health guidelines.
“The past two years have been tough all around, but we are excited to safely move forward with Art on the Mall this summer,” ACGK Programs Director Bianca Washington-Ciungan said in a statement. “We want to continue to keep in mind social distancing and encourage people to think about others as they attend this event. We are happy to support our artists who will be in attendance and bring patrons to downtown businesses. We look forward to you enjoying this summer kick-off.”
Live, outdoor musical performers include Yolonda Lavender, Kanola Band, Celeste Allison Trio, DJ Dan Steely and many others. The complete list of participating artists will be announced publicly before the event.
“After a year of existing in multiple pandemics, my art has been a saving grace,” Yolonda Lavender said in a statement. “I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the blessing that sharing my art through performance truly is.”
The Arts Council is also looking for volunteers to assist during Art on the Mall on Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5.
Those interested in volunteering can email info@kalamazooarts.org f
Art on the Mall returns to downtown Kalamazoo in June 2021. (Photo courtesy Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo).
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