Creative 360 and Parker Lane Studios have partnered to organize the fourth annual Emerging Artists Exhibition for visual artists in the Great Lakes Bay region. This program includes a juried gallery show for emerging artists aged 16-54 and an opportunity to meet artists working in various arts-related fields.
The exhibition, juried by Delta College Professor Randal Crawford, will be showcased at the 5501 Jefferson Avenue Gallery from Oct. 18 to Nov. 24.
On Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m., the program will feature a discussion with Midland artist and designer Katie Truemner Bruessow, who designs for both the mass-market furniture industry and the visual art industry. Bruessow will share the journey that led her to turn her passion into a thriving creative profession. Following the discussion, exhibit awards will be announced.
“This program is focused on offering opportunities to educate, empower, and encourage newer artists,” says Creative 360’s Curator and Program Director, Colleen Reed “Our region has so much artistic talent and we are excited to create a space to feature their work while contributing to their career growth.”
This event is free and open to the public. Call 989/837-1885 or visit becreative360.org to register.
Open Poetry Slam returns this month
Creative 360 is bringing back its popular Open Poetry Slam on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. Poet Jared Morningstar, author of “Lost in America,” “American Fries,” “American Reality,” and “A Slice of American Pie,” will serve as the MC for the event.
The concept of slam poetry originated in the 1980s in Chicago when local poet and construction worker Marc Kelly Smith had an idea to bring the true passion of poetry back to the people. He created the poetry slam, where anyone could participate by performing their work to be judged on a scale of 0 to 10. The participant with the highest score at the end of the competition was deemed the winner.
“Slam poetry is written to be performed,” says Executive Director, Laura Vosejpka. “It is an energetic blending of artistic media that is full of excitement. We want this slam to be a way for all people in our community to share their authentic voices with an audience that is ready to hear them.”
The Open Poetry Slam is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission for both audience members and poets is $5. All ticket sales proceeds will go toward the prize money. You can preregister online or by calling the arts center at (989)-837-1885.
Big Band Dance and Concert Nights
Creative 360 is thrilled to host the Blast from the Past Big Band, Midland’s longest-running big band. This incredible group performs seven concerts annually, showcasing a delightful blend of timeless classics from the 1940s and 1950s, along with some modern tunes.
Attendees can enjoy a fantastic dance floor and complimentary snacks to keep the celebration going. Concerts and dances are free and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on the following dates:
- Nov. 4
- Dec. 2 (Holiday theme)
- Feb. 3, 2025
- March 3, 2025
- April 7, 2025
- May 5, 2025
About Creative 360
Creative 360 is a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization founded in 1994. Its mission is to create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities.
The organization’s core values of inclusiveness, creativity, respect and community drive the culture at Creative 360. Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation and The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.
