Readers, get out your calendars and prepare to fill them up for the next month.
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 29, there is at least one event daily as part of Ferris’ Festival of the Arts. These events range from harp recitals to haiku workshops, so there is something for everyone. The best part of these events is that the majority are free.
Festival of the Arts aims to bring together Ferris State and the Big Rapids community while promoting the arts and providing a way for students and community members to experience art in a whole new way.
Carrie Weis, director of the Rankin Art Gallery and one of the organizers of the festival, is trying to include events related to many different artistic interests.
“We’ve selected a number of events that span the entire month that are as diverse in genre as possible,” Weis said. “We want to offer something for everyone.”
Many local artists and musicians perform or display their artwork, as well as other artists from all over Michigan. Last year, there were around 4,000 people who attended the events, and Weis is optimistic about a good turnout again this year.
Gabe Aikins, FSU freshman in music industry management, said, “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a really good way to show off all the talent that we have here in Big Rapids and at Ferris.”
Not every event is a strictly art-show type events. There are writing and poetry workshops, movie showings, concerts, plays and even a cake decorating workshop.
Weis described Festival of the Arts as “a collaborative event that is really trying to bridge Ferris and the community and develop strong relationships.”