MANSFIELD, Ohio – Back by popular demand, “The Art of It All: a Week of Arts & Culture in Richland County” returns this July 18 – 25.
Like last year, it is a week packed with cultural events: at least one arts-related event each day.
The purpose is to highlight every venue, event, and artist in Richland County to prove that one needn’t travel far for quality arts and entertainment. Richland County has an astonishing wealth of creative people and residents should support them and their endeavors.
The week kicks off at the Mansfield Art Center’s annual summer event, “Art Explosion.” Often referred to as Art-X, this event is an art and music festival fundraiser held annually in the summer. The event features artists, vendors, music, food, and drink and is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 1-9 p.m., $5/$7
At Main Street Books, Ohio poets and poetry appreciators will gather for a reading by Christine Howey and Barbara Sabol, followed by an open mic on Saturday, July 18, 2-4 p.m., with free admission.
A piano recital by Rachel Ballitch will be held at the Congregational Church on Sunday, July 19, 3 p.m., with free admission.
Element of Art will hold an open studio session, a beach-themed BYOC (Bring Your Own Creativity) event. The cost includes snacks, paint, brushes, canvases, easels, and still life inspiration from the shore. The event will be held Monday, July 20, 6-8 p.m., at a cost of $15.
The Renaissance Theatre will host a special sneak preview of their summer musical, Mary Poppins. All are invited to see the hard work behind the magic on Tuesday, July 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
At Relax, It’s Just Coffee, Doug Wertz of the Mansfield Playhouse and Joe Fahey of the OSU-Mansfield Theatre Department will read from plays, including a mix of comedies and dramas and some short samplings from each of their 2015-2016 seasons on Wednesday, July 22, 7 p.m. Admission is free.
The Richland Academy will host an event called “Concert and Cabernet.” Rachel Ballitch will play the piano and sing at a recital that will be followed by wine and cheese on Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m., with free admission.
Main Street Books will host a Poetry Potluck. Participants are asked to bring a favorite line of poetry and a beverage. Particpants will collaborate on a writing game on Friday, July 24, 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Mid Ohio Opera will perform “L’elisir d’amore” (The Elixir of Love) in the Mansfield Senior High Auditorium on Friday, July 24, 7:30 p.m., $5/$10.
A book signing at Main Street Books with Joe James, author of “The Ohio State Reformatory: An Overview” and “Louis Bromfield and His Malabar Farm” after the Shawshank Hustle on Saturday, July 25, 1-3 p.m. The event is free.
