The third annual Art on Main returns to the streets of downtown Three Rivers this Saturday, July 15. Hosted by the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Art on Main will run from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will feature 21 participating artists, three live musicians, shopping, and a social district.
Art on Main is a juried show, and all artists had until the end of May 2023 to apply for a 10’ by 10’ booth spot for the event. All items submitted to the jury were required to be original work of the artist, and no imports, services, or commercially manufactured items were allowed for approval. Participation was open for the following art mediums: clay/ceramics, fiber, glass, printmaking, digital art, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture, drawing/illustration, photography, painting, and wood.
Live music will be provided throughout the day by three different live musicians, beginning with Morgan Taylor. Taylor is a musician based in Kalamazoo, and she plays original music mixed with rock and roll covers. She has been playing live for five years in the St. Joseph County area, performing at festivals, private concerts, weddings, bars, and more.
Patti Ann and the Fancy Band is the final live act for Art on Main and will provide an eclectic musical mix from roots and Americana, to jazz and pop standards spiced with a helping of rock and roll. The group is led by singer and guitarist Patti McNulty and consists of Jeff Moehle (drums and vocals), Bob Wallis (keyboards and vocals), Jim Beebe (guitar and vocals), and Greg Orr (bass and vocals). The band members’ combined musical experience is vast, and has spanned locally, regionally, and nationally.
Some downtown businesses will be open during Art on Main for shopping including three downtown restaurants who participate in downtown Three Rivers’ Main Street Commons district. Landmark Taphouse Grille (21 N. Main St.) will be open from 11:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Riviera Theatre (50 N. Main St.) will open their doors early at 12:00 p.m., and Useless Creatures Brewing Company (41 N. Main St.) will open at 4:00 p.m. These establishments offer the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages in specially-marked “social district” cups for festival attendees to take with them as they stroll the event and shop, eat, and enjoy the live music and art.
More information on Art on Main can be found on the event’s Facebook page, or by contacting the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority or Three Rivers Artist Guild.
Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.
