5 kickass reasons to go to Art in the City
By Amelia Robinson
The calendar may still say “Spring,” but it is time for Dayton to shine like it is Summer.
The first in downtown’s new Summer in the City series of festivals kicks off Friday, May 8.
Events start around 5 p.m. and wrap up at various times.
Art in the City puts downtown’s visual arts in the forefront, said Val Hunt Beerbower, a spokeswoman for the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
“We are calling it downtown’s most creative night,” she said.
Summer in the City replaces Urban Nights, which the Downtown Dayton Partnership officially ended in March on the recommendation of a steering committee.
>>SUMMER IN THE CITY’ TO REPLACE URBAN NIGHTS
With activities throughout downtown and roving entertainment, Beerbower said Art in the City is far more than your standard art hop.
There will not only be opportunities to see art being made, but also chances to get your art on whether you are downtown specifically for Art in the City, Wicked at the Schuster Center, the Dragons game at Fifth Third Field or just because.
>>DOWNTOWN GETS WICKED WITH MORE THAN 20 FOOD, SERVICE “WICKED” DEALS
“Hopefully we will introduce people to new artists. Hopefully, we will establish relationships with businesses and artists,” Beerbower said. “Maybe this will encourage them (people) to step outside of their comfort areas and try something new.”
Here are 5 things to check out at Art in the City:
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Graffiti battle
K12 Gallery and TEJAS's Facebook pageK12/Tejas Gallery, 341 S. Jefferson St, will hold its Street Art Throwdown, a friendly graffiti competition.
There will be try-it stations in which visitors can try their hand at graffiti arts.
There will be art exhibits and demos inside the center, such as graffiti art, glass mosaics, paper making, hot glass and clay wheel throwing. A silverware sculpture created to benefit The Foodbank will be showcased.
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Sideshow X
(Source: Yellow Cab's Facebook page)In its 10th year, the free arts and music festival will take over the old “Yellow Cab” building, 700 E. Fourth St., on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and on Saturday, May 9, from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The family-friendly art extravaganza includes artwork from several mediums. As a bonus, there will be food and beer trucks.
<<<5 REASONS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT SIDESHOW>>>
Performing artists from Sideshow will roam throughout downtown.
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Art demos outside and in
Robert Walker's Facebook pageNearly 30 downtown businesses will host artists, including:
Dayton Beer Co., 41 Madison St.: Art demo by Terry Welker
Clash Dayton, 521 E. Fifth St.: Featured artist Robert Walker
Patterson Place, First Street: Art demo by Marsha Pippenger
Wright Stop Plaza, 4 S. Main St.: Featured artist Carmen Gaines
Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.: Art demo by Katie Threet
Belle of Dayton, 122 Van Buren St.: Art demo by Darren Kall
Fifth Street Brewpub, 1600 E. Fifth St.: Featuring art by K12 Gallery students
De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Art demo by Taliaferro Sebastian
Lily’s Bistro, 329 E. Fifth St.: Featured artist Ben Riddlebarger
Kamela & Company Realty, 1 Van Buren St. (open house): Featured artists Cathy Mong, Marsha Pippenger & Sandy Miller
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Literally paint the town
Dayton in watercolors. (Source: Shutterstock)Beerbower said do-it-yourself art stations will be set up on St. Clair and Fifth streets. Folks from Barstools & Brushstrokes and Pinot’s Palette will be on hand to help festival-goers complete small, portable art projects.
Sessions last about a half-hour and start at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.
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Pickin’ in the Park
Blue Caboose and Buffalo Wabs And The Price Hill Hustle will play at Pickin' In The Park at Dayton Riverscape Metropark (Source: Facebook_)The Pickin’ in the Park bluegrass music and craft beer festival kicks off at Riverscape MetroPark, 111 E Monument Ave.
There will be spoken-word poetry and performances by DCDC.
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Leave the kids at the shop
April's Kids Night in at Sew Dayton. ( Source: Sew Dayton's Facebook page)Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave., can keep your kids’ business at its “Kids Night In.” Registration required for the event that starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. The seamstress business will lead kids ages 6 to 17 through the project while parents hit the town. The cost is $25 for one child and $20 for each additional child. All supplies are included.
