HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The Holland Area Arts Council is celebrating 50 years of creating art and community in 2017.
Through the end of the year, the Holland Area Arts Council will host a suite of events celebrating the milestones of the organization’s history and the people who brought them where they are now.
According to the Arts Council, in 1966 Holland Mayor Nelson Bosman appointed a committee for the purpose of meeting with Lenore Romney, wife of Governor George Romney, to consider the formation of a council of the arts in the city of Holland. As part of a statewide initiative, any community with a population of five thousand or more was eligible to receive funding support to develop a community arts council.
Many arts organizations across Michigan were founded because of this initiative. In 1967, the Holland Council for the Arts was formed as an umbrella organization representing various arts groups in the city. The primary purpose of this Arts Council was to support artists and further the cause of the arts in the community.
The celebration begins on Friday, August 25 with the 30th Anniversary of the statewide art competition, MI Arts: All Michigan All Media Art Competition. The Michigan Art Competition was created by the Arts Council in 1987 to support and recognize Michigan artists and provide an educational opportunity for regional audiences.
This year’s MI Arts: All Michigan All Media Art Competition exhibition will run from August 25 through November 4.The opening reception is from 6:00-8:00pm. All Arts Council openings and exhibits are free and open to the public.
On September 16, from 12:00-3:00 p.m., the public can travel through time at our Back in Time Family Party. Guests will start in 1967 when the Arts Council was founded, making stops at each decade for themed art projects and family-friendly activities including love beads, tie dye, mural painting, Muppet making, and Manga drawing. Ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn and, of course, Birthday Cake will be available for all. The whole community is invited!
In October, the Arts Council will recognize founders and past board members with a Patrons’ and Founders’ Celebration. This invitation-only event will honor those that have made the Arts Council what it is today through their efforts and generous donations.
The Grand Rapids Ballet will present their third year of partnership for an enchanting Holiday tradition, The Nutcracker Ballet Tea on November 19 from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Join us as we celebrate arts partnerships old and new with music, tea, ballet and stories.
You can follow the The Holland Area Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations Facebook and Instagram with the hash-tag #awe50me at Holland Area Arts Council to see snapshots from their history.
The Holland Area Arts Council is located at 150 East 8th Street in Downtown Holland. More information is on their website, on Facebook and on Instagram.
