Downtown Whitehall

What's up Whitehall - Art Escape on Tap

Great art is a in integral part of many downtowns. The arts lend themselves to historic downtown with their common language of design and aesthetics, and arts activities and events are great drivers of visitors to downtowns. The downtowns of Whitehall and Montague are blessed in this regard with an active artist community. One of the community's signature activities is coming up on May 9 and 10 with Art Escape, so we took a minute to catch up with the chair of the event, Mary Payne, of Payne’s Interior Design Studio.

DW: Before we get into the specifics of the event tell us a little how you feel the arts contribute to the sense of place in the White Lake area.
MP: Our little secret in this area is that we have an abundance of artistic talent all around us. The entire community embraces and the energy and creativity that is brought from these folks who are involved in not only the artistic creative processes, but music and performing arts as well.

DW: What’s on tap with the Art Escape?
MP: Art Escape is an event brings together the business community and the cultural community. The downtown shops will be brimming with local and area artists for you to see up close and personal. This event will run from 11 am – 5pm both Friday and Saturday.

This “Art Escape” weekend is designed with you in mind. It’s a unique opportunity to getaway and escape to the world of creativity and imagination. Many of the shops will have drawings for special prize pieces of art, pottery and collectibles. Better yet, grab a room at one of the hotels or bed and breakfast and enjoy lunch at a sandwich shop and dinner at one of the areas fine restaurants.

DW: What is special about this year's event?
MP: This is the biggest year ever. We will have over 30 businesses participating and showcasing artists from all over the state. Also some new businesses and restaurants will be introducing themselves to people in the community who might not otherwise venture downtown if it were not for the artists. There will be music, food and special drawings for prizes. The artists also are bringing a lot of excitement to the downtown areas with their talent and creativity.

DW: Well, thanks so much for your contribution to the community with the promotions of the arts. We know it is an important part of our community
MP: It is my pleasure to help the business community in any way possible. I believe that the passion and pulse of the community is based and driven by the creativity of those people, business owners and artists alike, who live in and around the area. It is that creativity that drives all of us to make a better place in our little corner of the world for everyone who frequents it.

On the Web

White Lake Chamber Website event listing

posted by Dan @ 12:23 PM