Artists, Michigan Made Products, and Sponsors Wanted for Shelby Township’s 29th Annual Art Fair
The Shelby Township Art Fair Committee and the Shelby Parks, Recreation & Maintenance Department are making plans for the 2012 Art Fair scheduled to be held on August 11 & 12 on the Shelby Township Municipal Grounds. Artists that create their own works in paint, wood, glass, clay, photography, jewelry, fibers, and more are being sought to exhibit at the Fair. Since its inception the Shelby Township Art Fair has become an event that many look forward to visiting and has grown to be a favorite for those looking for a great way to spend a summer day with the family and find that special piece for their home or themselves.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
One of the new features of this year’s fair is a Michigan Made Products area where local and Michigan based home and small businesses can showcase and sell their products. Eligibility requires that the business makes and sells products that fairgoers can purchase and take with them. A limited number of vendors will be chosen for this area. Entry forms are available from the Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In addition to some great art and Michigan-made products, there are lots of new attractions being planned for the 2012 Shelby Township Art Fair; some of which include circus performers, a sand sculptor, and sailboats. Professionals from Cirque Amongus will be on hand twice daily for audience participation shows where performers will demonstrate and instruct fairgoers of all ages on how to walk a tightrope, juggle, balance on a ball, walk on stilts, ride a unicycle, and more. Sand Sculptor Janet Schrader will be at the fair all weekend with her Sand Sculpting Workshop to demonstrate and teach children and adults how to build those big beautiful castles and other sand creations. Members from the DMYC Model Sailboat Club will be hosting a display and demonstration of RC sailboats and all weekend on Heritage Lake located behind the Municipal Building. More activities and attractions are also making their debut that this year’s Art Fair. The following is a list of what is planned thus far.
What’s New for 2012?
- DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) Inside Out Exhibit
- Sand Sculpture Demo and Instruction and Kid’s Sand Play Area – Hosted by the Royal Park Hotel (additional Sponsorship Available)
- Chalk Art – Sponsorship Available*
- Youth Art Exhibition and Competition*
- Model Sailboat display and demo throughout the weekend on Heritage Garden Lake
- Free Drawing Classes for Adults and Children – Courtesy of the Michael’s store (26 Mile Road location)
- Cirque Amongus Performances – Sponsorship Available
- Old-time Craft Demonstrations*
- Kid’s Mural Painting Area – Sponsorship Available
- Local and Michigan Made Products Area*
- Sponsor “Swag” Tote Bag for Artists and First 400 Attendees
*These features are dependent on funding and/or community response
Contributions play an essential role in the success of this event. They assist in allowing Shelby Township and the Art Fair Committee to provide a free quality family oriented event to the community and surrounding areas. Monies collected help to offset costs incurred for entertainment and attractions, the Kid’s Craft and Activity Area, awards for winning artists, and event promotion as well as the general operating costs of hosting an event of this magnitude. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to support the arts locally by becoming a sponsor for the 2012 Art Fair. There are some great new options for sponsors which include having sponsor logos printed on the giveaway “Swag Bag” (tote bag) and providing promotional items to be inserted into them. More information is available from the Shelby Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department.
The Shelby Township Municipal Grounds, located at 52700 Van Dyke Avenue, just south of 24 Mile Road, makes for a festive, friendly atmosphere. This is a juried fair where buy/sell products are not permitted. It features spacious grassy 15’ x 15’ exhibit areas, shade trees, large crowds, family entertainment, a craft and activity area for children, and lots more, making it a show for all ages to enjoy. Admission, parking and shuttle bus service are all free, and plenty of tasty refreshments are available for purchase.
Anyone interested in participating at the Art Fair or in learning more about sponsorship opportunities is encouraged to contact Pam Reinhardt at Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department weekdays by phone at 586-731-0300, via email at preinhardt@shelbytwp.org or to visit the Parks and Recreation website at http://www.shelbytwp.org/departments/prm/upcoming_activities.jsp.
