The City is kicking off its newest placemaking opportunity this June called “Art in the Park.” The event brings the well-loved concept of group painting sessions with an instructor to the Dodge Park Pavilion once a month on Thursdays this summer.
In an effort to bring more art awareness to Sterling Heights, the City is kicking off its newest placemaking opportunity this June called “Art in the Park.” The event brings the well-loved concept of group painting sessions with an instructor to the Dodge Park Pavilion once a month on Thursdays this summer.
Sterling Heights’ Art in the Park will be held at 6 p.m. on four Thursdays this summer to coincide with the Dodge Park Farmers Market and Music in the Park: June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8. Registration for the event covers a 16? x 20? canvas, brushes, paint, easel and an apron. The event is being hosted by Painting Sensations, an art studio based out of Clinton Township.
Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle said the Art in the Park initiative is the first of many public art opportunities planned for Sterling Heights in the coming years. During the City’s annual Strategic Planning session this January, Doyle unveiled a rough outline of a Public Art Plan the City is hoping to implement beginning in late 2016.
“Sterling Heights residents have always embraced art in our community, whether it’s through the City Campus Sculpture Walk, the Featured Artist program or by attending our incredible Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair,” Doyle said. “Art in the Park is a new and fun initiative that will give residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in a fun, relaxed painting class while also enjoying the synergy of the Dodge Park Farmers Market and Music in the Park on Thursday nights.”
The idea for Art in the Park was born from the Sterling Heights Arts Commission and the group’s continued efforts to beef up art exposure and appreciation in Sterling Heights. Arts Commission Jeanne Schabath said Art in the Park is an opportunity for residents to enjoy public outdoor space.
“The idea for Art in the Park was inspired by the current trend of franchised painting classes. The Art Commission thought it would be a brilliant experience to bring this energy to Dodge Park and allow citizens of various ages to learn and experience the joys of painting in a festive atmosphere.” Schabath said. “We are extremely excited about trying this program throughout the summer months. It’s our hope people will come out to grab dinner at the Farmers Market, do a little painting and end the evening enjoy the music. Cost is minimal but the experience is big!”
The Art in the Park event is expected to take two hours; participants are asked to arrive on-time, as the event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The event is recommended for those 15 years old and above. Parking for the event will be available at Dodge Park, City Hall, the Library and Court parking lots. Due to many fun activities planned for Thursday nights, staff recommends participants arrive early to account for parking and walking to the pavilion.
Registration for the four events is available at www.paintingsensations.com and by clicking “calendar” to find the individual dates for Art in the Park. Or, residents can visit the following links to register:
• June - https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/5oulbwj0
• July - https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/b_htkjjo
• August - https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/g_exggct
• September - https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/b7unluw3
For more information, contact Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle at (586) 446-2471 or email bdoyle@sterling-heights.net.