Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo

Nearly a dozen artists are thrilled to be setting up their stalls for the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo's Art Hop this Friday, says Programs Director Bianca Washington-Ciungan. In a conversation with Cara Lieurance, Washington-Ciungan explains that for the first time since the pandemic began, Art Hop will be in-person, but outdoors. She also thought it was important to continue online Art Hop as well, so there are artist interviews and other features available at the Arts Council website. 

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo's first Art Hop of 2021 is at 6 pm on Friday, Feb 5 - and it's online and interactive on several platforms. Bianca Washington, Programs Director/Theater Manager for the ACGK, shared all the details with Cara Lieurance.

On Sunday, Aug 16 at 4 pm, Concerts in the Park will go virtual with a live-streamed concert by the Knific Quartet with guest vocalist Rhea Olivaccé. The Knific Quartet features Tom Knific, bassist and professor emeritus of Western Michigan University, Renata Knific, violinist and professor emerita of WMU, Gene Knific, pianist/arranger (Tom and Renata are Gene's parents) and Brad Crossland, drums. The livestream will be hosted by the Arts Council website.

In an interview with Cara Lieurance, executive director Kristen Chesak expands on how the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo is continuing its mission of connecting artists and audiences in West Michigan with a variety of strategies. 

The coronavirus pandemic is causing serious financial pain for arts organizations in Kalamazoo. But a new fund may help them weather the crisis.