By Syd Bastos
With social distancing requirements and concerns for safety, the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center needed to figure out how it could continue to deliver on its mission to inspire, educate and enrich Vicksburg through cultural and artistic experiences.
First, it created a virtual gallery called “art2share,” a way for people to share their art works based on a weekly theme. Although the program ended June 21, the virtual gallery can still be viewed at its website, vicksburgarts.com. It also created “Your Square Matters”, a collage of pictures provided by people in our community. Pictures represent special places, people and things that matter to those who submit their photos. The collage is in the window of the VCAC at 105 S Main and it is continuing to accept photographs to add to the collage.
But what could it possibly do to replace the cancelled week-long summer camp originally planned for June? The Board of Directors looked at what others around the state and country were doing and came up with “Art to Go.” Each week during the summer, the VCAC is creating a new kit suitable for kids from 5 to 18 with all materials needed, along with instructions to make at least one project. The kits are between $5 and $10 and include weaving, clay molding, painting, mixed media, collage and even metal forming! Scholarships are available.
The VCAC’s current location is a wonderful cozy venue for small concerts. But that just won’t work in this Covid-19 environment. Krista Grotelueschen, VCAC’s Acting Executive Director worked with Vicksburg Village Manager Jim Mallery to come up a plan that could provide a great venue while complying with safe distancing. “Concerts at the Park” was born! Concerts will be held on consecutive Thursday nights July 23 and 30, and August 6 and 13th from 7-8:30 p.m. and will be centered around the gazebo on the Historic Village grounds on Richardson Street in Vicksburg. Krista said, “We have confirmed the Duffield/Caron Project, The Phillips Boys and Jerry Phelps and are working on final details for the last band. We invite everyone to attend – bring a blanket, lawn chairs and enjoy being out in our community!” Current guidelines for distancing will be strongly encouraged.
Lastly, the Tournament of Writers normally announces winners of the annual writing competition at the Schoolcraft Public Library with a packed crowd filling its Community Room. The Library is currently open for curbside service only, so instead, the VCAC promises a fun Live Facebook event on June 15 at 5:30 p.m. to announce the winners with posts on its website and social media immediately after.
For more information, contact VCAC at info@vicksburgarts.com, follow on Facebook or call (269) 200-2223.