Art From Unlikely Sources To Be Featured in Portage Saturday

Recycled art is the theme Saturday in Portage.  Here are the details from the Portage Parks Board:

JOIN US FOR THE RECYCLED ART IN THE PARK EVENT SATURDAY, MAY 16!

Celebrate a greener community with Recycled Art in the Park which begins with the opening ceremony event on Saturday, May 16 from noon-3:00 p.m. at Celery Flats Park, Garden Lane, Portage, MI, sponsored this year by Eaton, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, and the City of Portage. Visitors will find twenty-one works-of-art along the sculpture walk featuring artists who have brought new life to discarded objects with their amazing sculptures. Visitors can also cast their vote for their favorite sculpture for the Public Choice Award.

There will be panel judging based on creative use of materials, artistry and originality. Judges this year are: Dr. Margaret Merrion retired dean emerita of the College of Fine Arts; Mary Whalen, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Beth McCann, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo; and Krista Ragotzy; Art Education, Vicksburg Community Schools. Trophies and cash awards will be presented at 2:00 p.m. at the stage for 1st prize of $1,000, 2nd prize of $750, 3rd prize of $500, Sponsor’s Choice award of $500, and Public Choice award of $500. The Public Choice award will be presented to the winner after votes are tallied from the online voting website at www.RecycleVote.weebly.com which will open on Saturday, May 16 and officially close on Friday, May 22 at midnight.

Other activities on Saturday will include a kid’s craft area where they will be able to make one of their own recycled works of art including Robo-Can, Egg Carton Flower, and a Puzzle Piece Frame to take home. Music will be heard from Carrie McFerrin & Co.; hot food from Off the Cuff Catering. Bring a blanket; relax with a picnic lunch while listening to the smooth tunes surrounded by the creative talents from area artists.

For more information call event organizers at 269-352-4583 or go online to www.FriendsoftheParksPortage.com. The City of Portage Parks Board works on activities to promote family, health and educational oriented events for increase the quality of life in the community.