A celebration of art: Art in April returns April 27

Seven new artists will be part of this year’s Art in April.

The annual celebration of art will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 27 in downtown Monroe. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Monroe Business Network. Admission is free.

Art in April, which debuted in 2018, typically brings 150 to 200 visitors downtown.

“We expect a lot of people to visit downtown Monroe during this evening. This year we have 21 different businesses and over 23 artists, plus student artists,” event coordinator Paula Stanifer from the DMBN said. “All of the artists are local, Monroe artists. There are a few who have attended for many years.”

Art in April offers a self-guided walk through downtown Monroe businesses. Participating stores host displays of works by the artists. At most stops, the artist will be present. Art genres will include acrylic, canvas and art drawings, photography, woodwork, pottery, stonework and hand-crafted jewelry items. Some piece will be for sale.

As in the past, some businesses also will offer refreshments and specials. Participants can register to win a gift certificate for downtown Monroe businesses at the Ryan Blanchett & Tim Stoddard Farm Bureau Agency, 123 W. First St.

Two stores will hold special events. Well-known Monroe artist David Larkins will offer a painting demonstration at Public House, 38 N. Monroe St. A make-and-take workshop will be offered at Barn Owl Studio, 20 S. Monroe St.

Art in April premiered in 2018. It was again held in 2019, but COVID-19 canceled the celebration for the next two years. It resumed last spring.

Art in April will be held regardless of weather.

For more information, email EventCoordinatorDMBN@gmail.com or visit Downtown Monroe Michigan Business Network on Facebook.

At a glance

Art in April locations and artists:

Public House, 38 N. Monroe St.: David Larkins

Tiffany’s Pizza, 128 N. Monroe St.: Merle Arquette

Cakes By Stephanie, 207 N. Monroe St.: Charlie Rumschlag

Frenchie’s Fine Jewelry & Coins, 15 E. Front St.: Susan Woelmer-Siebarth

Integrative Sustainable Movement, 101 E. Front St.: Debra Hoffmaster and Heather Jarosz

129 Lounge, 129 E. Front St.: Various local artists

Amaya’s Mexican Grill, 29 S. Monroe St.: Becky Mullins

Floral City Images & Photography, 47 S. Monroe St.: Michele DuBay-Cassidy

$20 & Below, 6 E. First St.: Cierra Cote

Dorsch Memorial Branch Library, 18 E. First St.: Julie Pillarelli

Jack’s Bicycle, 206 S. Monroe St.: Susan Grant

Monroe County Museum, 126 S. Monroe St.: Pauline Harmon

River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St.: Emily Short

Logan Charles Salon, 110 S. Monroe St.: Leslie Dietsch

The Conservatory, 21 W. First St.: Karen McLaughlin

Ryan Blanchett & Tim Stoddard Farm Bureau, 123 W. First St.: Betzi Lievens

Salon 23, 23 W. Front St.: Karen Jenkins and Pam Diulio

Front Street Mercantile, 34 W. Front St.: Sophisticated Chaos

Williams Insurance Agency, 14 W. Front St.: Amy McBroom’s students from Monroe High School

Brown Bag Boutiques, 14 S. Monroe St.: Molly Hedglen

Barn Owl Studio, 20 S. Monroe St.: Make-and-take workshops

Maps of the locations will be available at each site.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Art in April returns April 27