Upcoming Arts in the Burg bringing artisans downtown
There will be numerous artists showing off their handiwork during the upcoming Arts in the Burg presentation on Saturday, Sept. 16 in Millersburg, including a number of members from the Ohio Plein Air Society.
If there’s two things Historic Downtown Millersburg has staked its reputation on, it is antiques and art, and the latter will be on display in an art show that will have people venturing throughout the downtown area to experience loads of artists, art activities and more.
On Saturday, Sept. 16 in Historic Downtown Millersburg from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of the Ohio Plein Air Society will make a return to the area, lining the streets of Millersburg, showcasing their skills and artwork as part of Arts in the Burg.
The OPAS members will join a roundup of artists including plenty of local talent, a pair of renowned sidewalk chalk artists, demonstrations, food and more.
“We’re very excited about this year’s lineup,” said Judy Lamp, Historic Downtown Millersburg executive director. “There is going to be so much to see and do, and the talent we have coming in is unbelievable.”
Lamp said last year’s inaugural art show was built around the OPAS being in the area. She said the group got HDM very excited about the possibilities surrounding creating an art fair in Millersburg, and it was well received.
The group will tour and paint at several predetermined areas in the county on Friday before settling into Millersburg for the show on Saturday.
Fast-forward to this year, and the show seems to have grown vastly in terms of representation.
“We are honored to have the plein air group coming back again,” Lamp said. “And we have grown a lot and invited a lot more art vendors, artists and local artists who will be presenting demonstrations and selling their art.”
The list will include an artist who teaches people to paint flowers, woodworkers, leather specialists, string work and more.
“Art doesn’t just mean pictures,” Lamp said. “We have some unique vendors creating some stunning work in a lot of different mediums.”
In addition, the day will feature some make it, take it tables where kids and adults can create their own artwork, along with an opportunity for the public to get involved with a large project Lamp said she’s excited to roll out at the show.
“We ordered great big canvases that we will attach together, and Megan Stryker is getting a picture drawn across the entire 3-foot-by-8-foot canvas, and everyone who wants to can help paint it,” Lamp said. “It’s a huge community project.”
Lamp said the hope is the painting will eventually hang on one of the HDM alleys, and she said each year the show is presented they will create another community painting and begin to build a series.
“It’s going to be a neat way for people to enjoy the day and get involved with the art,” Lamp said.
The two sidewalk chalk artists will create some mesmerizing sidewalk art, the kind that thrills youngsters and adults alike and presents a 3-D appeal.
“Our artist from Cleveland creates images like giant dragons and is an award-winning artist from Cleveland, and he likes to invite kids to help him color things in,” Lamp said. “So there’s another way for kids to get involved.”
All of the artists will have artwork featured in all of the HDM stores, so there will be plenty to experience.
Lamp said this gives artists a chance to showcase their talents, noting someone like Sue Szpila of The Jewelry Store makes her own jewelry and many other area business owners have their own unique skills. Another opportunity is with Trailside Deli, whose florist will have an old-fashioned florist’s cart, and people can create their own bouquet.
“Millersburg is loaded with talented artists, and this event ties together so nicely with our focus on antiques and artisans,” Lamp said.
There also will be rock painting for the kids.
Finally, the show will provide a place for area middle and high school students to display their art. The event is free to any youth, and they must only register to showcase their art.
“Our hope is that this gives kids an opportunity to experience what it’s like to host their art in an art show,” Lamp said. “It’s a great way for young people to get started.”
As for the food, in addition to the local downtown restaurants, there will be several food trucks on hand including a Cajun-based truck and The Angry Lobster.
“We tried to bring in an exciting variety of food that we haven’t had before, and these are some unique options,” Lamp said.
The event is open to any artist in any medium, although to participate artists must register by Sept. 14 by calling Lamp at 330-674-2412 or by visiting the Historic Downtown Millersburg Facebook page.