Check out the latest news, events, and updates from the Village Arts Factory!
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February 2024 Newsletter
An Early Spring
Early this morning, the world's most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil made his prediction: it's to be an early spring!
As if to emphasize this fact, the weather today in southeast Michigan has been unusually sunny and mild. Certainly a beautiful start to what can often be a cold, gray month in our Great Lakes state. But whatever weather February brings, you can be certain that the Village Arts Factory has some wonderful programs and events in store to keep you physically engaged and intellectually stimulated.
February will see the return of Cardio Drummingat the Village Arts Factory as part of our Adult Winter Pop-Up series, as well as our next Broken China Mosaic Workshop in celebration of Valentine's Day. The photography work of local artist Chrissy Brown is on display in the fine art gallery as our Young Artist Spotlight of 2024, and our A.C.E. kids and their families are invited to join us this month for a fun afternoon of Cookie Decorating.
We also encourage you to connect with the many studio artists and instructors who operate out of the Village Arts Factory. Whether you're interested in pottery, painting, Pilates, candle-making, cookie-decorating, jewelry-making, calligraphy, photography, or dance...there are so many unique opportunities to take a class and learn a new skill!
--Village Arts Factory
Adult Winter Pop-Ups
Beat the cold-weather blues with these fitness classes!
Cardio Drumming is a fun workout for all fitness levels! Time to get your inner rock star into motion by moving and grooving to high energy music. Using a fitness ball and drumsticks, your instructor will lead you in a heart-pumping workout that engages the whole body. This class is so much fun, you won’t even realize you're working out. Click here to sign up today!
Barre is a low-impact, high-intensity workout that combines ballet, Pilates, and yoga. It’s a great way to tone your muscles, improve your flexibility, and burn calories. No previous experience necessary and all fitness levels welcome! If you’ve ever been curious to try Barre, this is the perfect opportunity to sample this fun and unique fitness medium. Click here to sign up today!
"Mundane Beauty" Gallery Exhibit
Young Artist Spotlight featuring Chrissy Brown
Our February Young Artist Spotlight exhibition features work from local artist Chrissy Brown’s documentary photography project Close Knit (2022-2023), where she explored the concepts of “blood family” and “found family” by documenting the daily lives of her immediate relatives and some of her close friends. Also included in this exhibit is a collection of her newer photography work with similar themes of family, friends, and everyday life. Overall, this gallery show highlights Brown’s mundane documentary photography, showcasing the beauty in the most random and unnoticed moments of everyday life. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 9th from 6 to 8pm. Come and view the photography, meet the artist, and enjoy refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.
Mosaic Hearts Valentine Workshop
Come and make mosaic hearts for Valentine's Day!
We’ve partnered with Eye Candy Mosaics to offer a mosaic workshop just in time for Valentine’s Day! Join us on Sunday, February 11th at 10am to create three custom mosaic hearts; one large and two small. Using an assortment of broken china and letter beads, our instructor will guide you through the process of creating beautiful mosaic valentines, perfect for gift giving or adding to your home décor. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the art of mosaic crafting while enjoying a fun morning at the Village Arts Factory. All materials are included and no prior experience is necessary. Space is limited to 15 participants. Click here to register online!
Are you a student or young artist looking to gain experience working with a local arts organization? Or are you a young professional interested in helping to shape the future of our community? Consider joining the Village Arts Factory as an official member! Our new student/young professional membership is just $30 and is a fantastic way to get involved, meet new people, and share your ideas. Click here to join online quickly and securely!
A.C.E. Program Updates
Join us for our February adaptive craft workshop!
Join us on Saturday, February 10th at 3:00pm for our next Adaptive Craft Workshop at the Village Arts Factory! This one-hour workshop will feature Valentine's Day cookie decorating and card making. Recommended for children ages 5 to 12 with special physical, developmental, or sensory sensitivity considerations. Your kids will love crafting for Valentine's Day in a supportive, sensory-friendly environment. The cost is just $10 per child and all materials are included. Click here to register!
Art in Bloom 2024
Now accepting food and vendor applications!
Calling all marketplace vendors! Mark your calendars for the return of Art in Bloom at the Village Arts Factory on Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 5pm! Our popular spring artisan market features a wide variety of craft and artisan vendors, food trucks, concessions, live music, kids activities, and more. Interested food, craft, and artisan vendors can click here to submit their application online. Come and join us in celebrating all things spring!
Shine & Thrive: Women's Night Out
Join us for this special fundraiser hosted by the mentors of Canton's Lead #LikeAGirl Program!
The Village Arts Factory is proud to host the ladies of Canton's Learn.Advocate.Mentor program and their Shine & Thrive: Women's Empowerment Night on Friday, March 15. Attendees will enjoy an inspirational evening of food, wine, live music, mindfulness activities, photos, yoga, and more. All guests will leave with a thank you gift and increased sense of well-being. Click here to purchase your ticket today!
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Village Arts Factory is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, tenants, patrons, and guests feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other potential bias.
We are committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.
We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board, leadership, and staff, and we strive to listen to their views and give them value.
We are committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity, and maintaining fair and equal treatment in all of the work we do.
