Art in the Rough offered in Imlay City, Sept. 30

The Imlay City Downtown Development Authority, in conjunction with the Lapeer Art Association, is hosting Art in the Rough on Saturday, September 30. Being true to the definition of "Pop Up," 19 art studios will appear for one night in businesses located on Third Street in downtown from 5 to 9 p.m.

"What started as a 'crazy idea' by Mike Romine, (owner of the Mulefoot Gastropub) has grown exponentially in three years," Dana Walker, director of the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority said. "We started the event to show the community and visitors the tremendous possibilities our downtown has. We wanted to show property owners, artists and residents that the Imlay City community will support art studios located within downtown," she continued.

Coupled with the art, the event features beer and wine tastings on Third Street which will be closed to traffic between Main Street and Bancroft Street. "This year we will have two different tasting stations featuring several Michigan made craft beers and wine from various vendors," Walker said. "This year we are excited to feature the Lapeer Area Brewers who will also have a tasting station," she explained.

Attendees are encouraged to visit one of the many downtown Imlay City eateries before, during and after the event. There will be four specialty food vendors within the event including a vendor specializing in Puerto Rican fare and one selling gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Farm to Field Table and Sabbath Coffee will make their second appearance at the event as both participated in the 2016 Art in the Rough.

Other additions to this year's event is a performance by local duo Untamed Beauty and speed painter Martina Hahn.

Perhaps the most significant change is the addition of the VIP experience, scheduled to take place at the Mulefoot Gastropub from 4 to 5 p.m. During the one hour pre-show artist meet and greet, guests will enjoy two complimentary specialty drinks, appetizers, and music by Jamie Marvin. Those purchasing the $50 VIP ticket will also receive a commemorative Art in the Rough glass, a raffle ticket to be placed in a drawing for a piece of artwork donated by the LAA, and admission into the main event. Only 40 tickets are available for the VIP experience which is sponsored by Milnes Auto Group.

Walker believes Art in the Rough is evolving into a premier event for the area and gives the newly founded partnership with the LAA a lot of credit.

"We have had tremendous success with partnering this year with the LAA," Walker said. "The organization has brought new artists to the mix and they will also have a space that will feature several local artists. It is always good to add fresh ideas to a committee and the LAA has done just that," she continued.

Artists will be housed in the following downtown businesses: Somewhere in Time Photography, Edward Jones, Imlay City Family Hair Care, Mulefoot Gastropub, CharleeJack Designs, the American Legion, and Doug Halabicky State Farm.

"Literally our biggest concern this year has been where to house the artists as the number of 'vacant' buildings in downtown has dwindled tremendously since the inaugural event two years ago," Walker said. "That is a problem I hope we have every year," she said. "We are very thankful that our downtown businesses support this event and are willing to open up their doors for a very unique evening," she explained.

The support reaches into all area of the Imlay City DDA. 4th Street Antiques Vintage and Casual Décor will create sitting vignettes on Third Street to add to the charm and uniqueness of the evening. 4th Street, along with Doug Halabicky State Farm and Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, is a Diamond in the Rough sponsor.

Tickets for Art in the Rough are now available for $15 in Imlay City at the City office, 150 North Main Street, and The Mulefoot Gastropub, 244 East Third Street. The LAA gift shop in Gallery 194, 194 Nepessing Street in downtown Lapeer, is also selling both the VIP and main event tickets. Tickets for Art in the Rough will be available the night of the event at the entrance for $20. The event is for individuals 21 years and older.

Published: Wed, Sep 27, 2017