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[Houghton, MI, July 22-27, 2019] Keweenaw youth are invited to participate in the first-ever Meraki Youth Art Fest this summer. The Youth Art Fest offers a variety of art workshops aimed at youth ages ~12-25, offered throughout the week of July 22; a kick-off event at the Houghton Waterfront Park on July 22 featuring live music by local young musicians, t-shirt tie-dying, acrylic pour painting, and more; and an art exhibit/talent showcase at the Finnish-American Heritage Center on July 27.
There are a variety of art workshops available for youth: ceramics, drawing, acrylic pour painting, metal stamping, puppetry, nature prints, graphic arts (making memes), and screen printing. Cost is $20 per workshop, and scholarships are available. More details and information are available on the website: merakiartfest.com.
The kick-off event is open to all area youth and there is no cost to attend. The event runs from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Houghton Waterfront Park (Chutes and Ladders), and free t-shirts for tie-dying are available to the first 100 attendees. Attendees are also welcome to create their own acrylic pour painting with local artist Pamela Hecht. Any local artist who would like to attend and demonstrate their art form/sell art work are invited to participate. Interested artists should emailmerakiartfest@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved.
An art exhibit and talent showcase featuring the work of young local artists will be held at the Finnish-American Heritage Center on Saturday from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Any young artist is invited to enter their work in the exhibit or sign up to perform for a chance to win a $100 cash prize for the Best in Show and Audience Choice Award. Interested artists should sign up on the website.
Youth Art Fests are a popular way to inspire young people to explore the arts in their community, provide opportunities to engage with other artists, and connect with peers in a healthy, meaningful and impactful way. The Meraki Youth Art Fest was organized and created by a group of local artists and youth who are interested in expanding opportunities for youth in the Keweenaw. The Meraki was made possible by generous financial support from the Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Portage Lake Youth Endowment Fund and the Youth Advisory Committee. Numerous local art organizations are providing space, expertise and other support. For more information on the Meraki Festival, visit the website, email us, or find us on Facebook @merakiartfest.
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Calender of Events:
Monday July 22, 7-9pm: Art Fest Kick-off Event, Houghton Kestner Waterfront Park, Houghton
Saturday July 27, 6:30 – 8pm: Youth Art Exhibit/Talent Showcase, Finnish-American Heritage Center, Hancock
Monday – Friday July 22-27, various times & locations: youth art workshops visit merakiartfest.com/workshops for details
