Downtown Chatham will be buzzing this Friday, February 6, for Art Under the Stars.
This free, self-guided event encourages Chatham-Kent residents to explore nine different venues from 5 to 9 p.m.
"We have visual arts, we have music, we have food, and we have culture. We're just inviting people to come on down and visit participating venues," said Irene MacCreadie, Program Coordinator for the Thames Art Gallery.
The event has expanded this year thanks to the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA.
"It's our former Art Crawl, but this time a real solid partnership with the Downtown BIA, and really celebrating what our local merchants also contribute to our culture, and really make Chatham the place that it is," said MacCreadie. "There's tons to go, tons to see me, and you know, things to try and participate in."
Each location will be offering unique programming and experiences.
The Mainstreet Lounge at the Chatham Capitol Theatre will feature the live jazz trio of Doug Banwell, Andy Tattersall, and Peter Hyson.
ARTspace is hosting the opening reception for a solo exhibition by Brian Hall, with live music by Wallaceburg-based multi-instrumentalist Qu.
Turns and Tales Board Game Cafe will have a creative pop-up workshop with CutiePatootie Studios and hands-on crafting with Dabble Maker Space.
RAD Studio + Cafe will have an artist demonstration by local potter Jackie Deane-Couture of From My Hands to Yours.
Art & Heirloom Shoppe is celebrating over 58 local artists with live painting and demonstrations.
The Garden Event Centre is turning into Cupid on King, a Valentine's Day space with live blues music by Snye River Blues, with Mark Giles Jr, Mitch Doxtater and Bryan McLellan.
Crow City Coffee will have an exhibit by Artist Michaela Lucio, who will also be in attendance.
The Chatham-Kent Museum is hosting an exhibition by In Full Colour, while the Thames Art Gallery has an exhibition by artists Swapnaa Tamhane and Karen Kraven. There are also family-friendly activities in the Imagination Station and the newly opened ARTspark.
Consultants will also be on hand to deliver a presentation on Chatham-Kent's Cultural Plan, and will be talking to visitors about the vision for Arts and Culture in the community.
For a full list of participating venues and a map visit, https://www.tagartspace.com/art-under-the-stars.
