KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Friday, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) announced the return of in-person Art Hop in downtown Kalamazoo on Friday, April 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
This free outdoor event will feature local artists and downtown businesses showcased in booths along Bates Alley and the South Kalamazoo Mall.
After a year of virtual Art Hops, Arts Council officials say they are looking forward to bringing the community together in a socially-distanced outdoor space. Guests can grab drinks within the Downtown Social District and enjoy locally made art.
In addition, DJ Todd Brown will be providing live music entertainment. Officials add that the event will follow all COVID- 19 guidelines in compliance with the state of Michigan.
“I am so excited to safely return to an in-person Art Hop,” program director Bianca Washington-Ciungan said in a statement. “I am grateful that we have been able to present a virtual option successfully, but there’s nothing like being able to support our artists and businesses in a face-to-face fashion.”
Participating businesses include Honor Credit Union, Fuze Kitchen and Bar, Green Top Tavern, Kalamazoo Candle Company, V & A Bootery, Cherri’s Chocol’art, Colors & Cocktails, and MRC ArtWorks.
Local artists that will be showing their work in-person include Kevin Hamman, Alexa Karabin, Jonathan Wijnberg and Amy Lou Gieschen, as well as many more.
For those who are not able to attend in-person, the Arts Council’s website will have a virtual gallery featuring work by local artists, and a three-part artist spotlight interview series with Alexa Karabin, Linda Rzoska and Pam Kirkham.
Additionally, the Stulberg International String Competition will be livestreaming its virtual Bravo! concert at 7:00 p.m.
The Arts Council is also announcing the launch of its new Art Hop app. The app serves as a guide to all things Art Hop and can be downloaded as a shortcut icon
through any smartphone web browser at www.kalamazooarthop.org.
Artists or businesses interested in participating in future Art Hops are encouraged to fill out an online application at this link.
The deadline to apply for the May Art Hop is April 5, and the fee to participate is $50.
For more information, residents can email Bianca Washington-Ciungan at arthop@kalamazooarts.org.
To hear an interview between WKZO and the ACGK about Art Hop, click here.
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