Downtown Art Place offers variety of upcoming events, classes

IRONWOOD — The Downtown Art Place, a newly formed community art center in Ironwood, has scheduled a number of upcoming events.

A St. Patrick’s Day-themed open house is set for next Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and after-school art classes for middle and high school students begin March 25.

The open house is prior to the Take 3 show at the Historic Ironwood Theatre, and will continue during intermission of the show. Note cards and green-themed art will be on display and will be available for purchase.

The event will also showcase new handicapped accessible restrooms, which were funded by donations. The restrooms will be available during events at the theater and the DAP.

The “Royal Flush” prize, an original piece of artwork, will be raffled, in addition to other artwork prizes.

Green-themed appetizers and refreshments will be available, and there will be live music.

People do not need to attend the Take 3 show to attend the open house. During the event, people can also sign up for upcoming classes and workshops, as well as learn more about becoming a member of the DAP.

The DAP has a fundraising drive, with a promised matching donation of $2,000, if that amount can be raised by June 1.

DAP will host a reception for artists from 1-3 p.m. next Saturday. Artists interested in learning about the DAP and becoming involved are welcome to attend.

Upcoming classes

DAP was recently awarded a mini-grant of $1,940 from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for art programming.

Cynthia Cote, director of the Copper Country Community Arts Center, said DAP’s application “was the highest scoring application.”

Seven instructors are scheduled to teach the planned art classes and workshops, including Ann Marie Batiste, group mural; Karen Kangas, babies and toddlers art exploration (with a parent); Laura Henderson, glass fusion; Gemma Lamb, origami; John Lauzon, woodcarving; Peg Sandin, watercolor; and Arlene Schneller, collage and photography.

This spring, two after-school “Dabble at the DAP” art courses for students in sixth through 12th grades will be, in part, funded by the grant. Each course will include four class sessions, on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m.

A different instructor will teach each week on a variety of topics, including watercolor, art journaling, glass fusion and origami. The first course is March 25 and the second on April 29.

The two courses will differ in content so students can take both or just one. Courses will be $40 for four classes, and scholarships are available.

For More information on upcoming events and classes at the DAP, contact Annette Burchell at 906-932-2000, email downtownartplace@gmail.com or visit downtownartplace.net.