By Sue Moore
The new Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center (VCAV) is launching a blockbuster list of activities for April as a way to get the community interested in what the VCAC has to offer, said Syd Bastos, VCAC Manager.
She has completely retooled the offerings along with help from Leigh Fryling, events coordinator and Lisa Beams, artist coordinator. The arts world has flourished in the Vicksburg area for many years, but only recently has it had a place to showcase the work of some really competent artists, Bastos explained.
With a lot of volunteer effort and some grants to pay small salary stipends, the staff has transformed the building at 200 S. Main Street in Vicksburg from what had been a storage area for Rawlinson’s Appliances to a cozy gallery and performance venue. Thirteen local artists currently display their work at the gallery.
In addition to the gallery, the VCAC plans seven to ten public events each month, ranging from musical presentations, guest artist exhibits, and special activities, she pointed out. The signature event for April is The Art of Elegance, a Victorian Tea on Saturday, April 16. It will have a presentation on fine handcrafts from the Victorian Era by local business owner, Tanya DeLong. Classically trained violinist Julio Sepulveda and pianist Nancy Mansberger will be performing live during the tea. The cost is $15 at the door. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling Bastos at 269-501-1347.
Another featured event happens on Saturday, April 30. Mac Hultmark, composer and pianist will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. He plays classical and contemporary pieces. He studied at Western Michigan University and has performed at Bridgewater Place in Grand Rapids and locally at the Epic Center and Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo.
The Center is also planning some recurring events each month. One in particular that is catching on is Board Game Night for all ages. Families are encouraged to check their phones and tablets at the door and pick out one of the games on hand, or bring a favorite from home. This event will be held every 2nd Thursday from 4-7 p.m. This month, that’s April 14.
If you want to show your work at the gallery, rent the gallery for a private event or be considered for a performance event, you can email the them at info@vicksburgarts.com or call Bastos. You can also follow the VCAC on Facebook at facebook.com/vicksburgculturalartscenter.
Following is a roster of scheduled events for April and early May:
4/1 – Fri. April Fools Silly Song Sing Along at the VCAC, 4- 5:30 p.m., free.
4/7 – Thurs. DIY Papered Pots Party at the VCAC, 4-6 pm, $10 donation at the door to cover supplies.
4/14 – Thurs. Board Game Night at the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center. Games available or bring your own. All ages welcome! 4 – 7 p.m., free.
4/16 – Sat. Victorian Tea at the VCAC 2 -5 p.m. Presentation by Tanya Delong, music by violinist Julio Sepulveda and pianist Nancy Mansberger, $15 at door, reservations important.
4/22 – Fri. New Artist Reception at the VCAC 6-8 p.m. Meet the Gallery’s newest artists, Nancy Smith, Pam Davidson and Aerick Burton, free.
4/23 – Sat. Spring Clean Clothing and Prom Dress Swap, DIY Fashion Upcycle and Bleach Printing at the VCAC 2-6 p.m., free. No prom dress to swap? Limited supply of prom dresses available for donations.
4/27 – Wed. Mighty Pen Open Mic at the VCAC. Read your poetry, monologue or excerpt 6:30-8:30 p.m., free.
4/30 – Sat. Live Music at the VCAC, Mac Hultmark, composer and pianist, performs 7-9 p.m., free.
5/5 – Thurs. Gallery Gals Night at the VCAC 6-9 p.m. Jewelry making, Jamberry nails, makeup demonstrations, chair massage, essential oils in creams and soaps and more! $10 donation at the door.