Annual event to meld live music, art from 6-10 in I.C.
IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City DDA’s 6th annual Art in the Rough event returns to downtown Imlay City on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6-10 p.m.
To accommodate the various art and music-related activities scheduled for the evening, a portion of Third Street will be closed off to motor vehicles.
DDA Director Lorrelei Natke said the community event will feature pop-up art galleries, food, beverages and live music.
Featured music
The featured musical performers will be Motor City Josh and The Big Three band from 8-10 p.m.
Country music will accompany this year’s Empty Canvas exhibition, which combines a musical performance with the creation of a unique art piece. Natke said the art piece will be raffled off at the 2020 Winter Carnival in downtown Imlay City.
“We will feature a variety of Michigan artists in our downtown businesses,” said Natke, “and art, entertainment, and drink will be available along a cordoned off area on Third Street.”
There will be two outdoor bars featuring Michigan craft beers and wine; along with food and beverage trucks representing Sweet Whimsies, Ken’s Worthy BBQ, YaEatYet Cuban cuisine, Salad Express (vegetarian food) and Kona Ice.
Natke noted that the traditional pop-up art galleries will be located inside various participating downtown businesses.
Participating artists
This year’s artists include Bob Beras, Lisa Wilson, Autumn Marble, Emma Auger, Timothy Dudley, Stu Davis, Victoria Anderson, Molly Pitcher Pottery, Fioza Cowan, Harriette Madia, The Gypsy Sailor Gallery, Linda Jackman, Kayleigh Graves, Walnut Grove Collective, LLC;
Diann Blevins and Jen Kluger.
Additionally, Art in the Rough will feature the art of students from Imlay City High School’s art program under the tutelage of Greg Irwin.
Tickets for Art in the Rough are $20 apiece and $5 for students with ID.
For early arrivals, a 21 and over “VIP” cocktail event will run from 4-6 p.m. at the Third & Main Event Center at 244 East Third Street.
Natke encourages attendees to buy tickets early to get a reservation for the VIP event at no extra cost.
COVID-19 safety protocol will include temperature checks.
For further information or to purchase tickets in advance, call Natke at the Imlay City Hall at 810-724-2135.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
