FeedsRecord crowds expected at celebration of 30th Art in the Park festival
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Crowds are expected to fill downtown Plymouth streets and Kellogg Park for the celebration of the 30th year of Art in the Park this weekend with a “birthday party” atmosphere planned by Founder Dianne Quinn and President Raychel Rork.Right now, there are tents being erected throughout downtown Plymouth, 375 artists arriving from throughout the country and state, and some major party arrangements under way.
Tomorrow, the party marking the 30th year of Art in the Park, a festival which draws thousands to downtown Plymouth every year will begin and tens of thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy the weekend.
Dianne Quinn founded the event three decades ago with an idea to have about 30 friends who loved art gather for a small exhibition in Kellogg Park. That began the event now judged as the best single art festival in the state.
“The story goes that I was only a year old, but I could lick a stamp,” said Raychel Rork, Quinn’s daughter who is now president of the event, about her start.
On exhibit will be thousands of original pieces of art—including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, photography and folk art. Young artists ranging in age from 7-17 will also have art on display for purchase.
“This year, we just want everyone to have fun. It’s a huge birthday party atmosphere with Reggae music and stilt walkers and balloons and paper lanterns in the park. It’s just going to be fun and everybody needs some of that right now,” she said.
Children’s events
The event will include the traditional attractions that visitors have come to expect and enjoy, particularly the events geared toward art for children.
“The children’s mural will go to Beaumont Children’s Rehabilitation Center this year,” Rork said. The artwork is divided into squares and on display in the park where children are encouraged to color in one of the blocks of the work. Every year, the completed mural is donated to a local facility for display.
This year, Quinn and Rork have added My Adventure Theater, an interactive, family friendly theater experience. Everyone can participate, no acting experience necessary. Characters will be chosen from the Kellogg Park audience, costumed on the spot and joined for a live performance complete with singing and dancing, Rork said.
Also new this year is the Honeycomb Hive, a 40 by 40 foot display on Penniman Avenue between Main and Union. The oversized beehive will be packed with fun activities including an arcade, a maze, free cereal samples and a chance to ‘bee yourself ’in the new video display. There will be an area for Queen Bees (moms) to relax, too.
Live music
The music this year will be provided by One Love, the reggae band that will be playing all weekend at the corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Forest Avenue.
The band is a Detroit-based group, committed to playing authentic roots reggae music, and will keep crowds entertained all weekend, Rork said. “They have a great sound. I think people will love it,” she said.
New artists
More than 80 of the exhibitors this year are new, Quinn said, and some are coming from Europe to participate.
“In 1980, I envisioned an art show and the seed was planted. In 2009, after 30 years, my vision for Art in the Park hasn’t changed, but it has most definitely flourished,” she said.
“I feel very fortunate to have successfully stumbled into one of the greatest occupations, and that my daughter chose to work with me, making it our event,” she added. “I am proud of what this brings to Plymouth and I take great pleasure in being able to bring a creative experience to all who attend, volunteer and participate in the show.”
Shuttle service
The shuttle service will be available this year, as it has in the past. Visitors are encouraged to park at the ACH plant, formerly Visteon, at 14425 Sheldon Road, just off M-14 in Plymouth and take the round trip shuttle service. The shuttles are air conditioned with bathrooms and plenty of large storage will run continuously all weekend. The drop off point will be Plymouth City Hall which will be right in the heart of the art fair, Rork said.
“The shuttle service this year is sponsored by Schoolcraft College,” Rork said. “We’re very grateful to them and to all our sponsors.”
The shuttles will run from noon until 8 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
