Looking for some summer fun? Check out Creative 360

by Janet I. Martineau

This summer at Creative 360 -- graffiti artists are invited, a touring Shakespeare troupe returns, folks age 55 and older will perform during a talent show, and it’s time to party with pints and paints.

“We have a little something for every age group,” says executive director Elizabeth A. Ruediger of the events at 1517 Bayliss in Midland. “What we are the most excited about is the ‘From the Street ... Art & Graffiti Festival and Exhibit’ in August. People can come and watch, for free, as  artists create graffiti and street art live, on the lawn.”

Creative 360 will provide each artist with an 8-foot by 4-foot board, and even an old donated car, on which they will create a piece of work between 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. After that the boards will go on display inside from Aug. 17-Sept. 27.

“Normally graffiti is discouraged, so we want to give its often-remarkable artists an outlet,” says Ruediger.

On a more intimate note, says Ruediger, is the “Pints and Paint (Party)” set for 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, at  a cost of $45. Participants will bring their own favorite brew and artist Priscilla Olsen will lead them through creating their own 11-inch by 14-inch acrylic painting to take home.

“We provide the canvas, paints, brushes, and the featured painting that will serve as the basis for their own version to take home,” says Ruediger. Registration is required by Tuesday, May 17.

Other notable offerings this summer:

-- Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company from Grand Haven returns, to present an all-male production of “Cymbeline, a fairy tale about a banished princes, an evil queen and two princes stolen from the cradle. 2 p.m. Sunday, July 10. Cost $10.

-- ArtFest55 “Senior Moments” Talent Show, featuring singers, dancers, musicians, poets, actors, comedian and more, age 55 and older, from around the state. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, July 29. Free.

-- Gisselle’s Adventure in Color,” a story time and book signing with a bearded collie and  its owner Clara J. del Valle. Del Valle, a photographer, has written and illustrated a children’s book featuring her bearded collie. Each child will receive a copy of the book, hear it read by the author, create art based on the book and receive a group portrait with the pooch. 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 11. Cost: $20.

Also on the schedule for adults  is a Native American flute class and concert; classes in tie-dying, drawing on location, portraits in watercolor (with Saginaw artist Steve Fanelli) loom weaving, calligraphy and landscape quilting, and wellness offerings in yoga, NIA, meditation and tai chi.

And for the younger set are sessions on animation, juggling, theater and interrelated arts.

For the full schedule, log on to www.becreative360.org, or call (989) 837-1885 for a printed copy which can be mailed.