MANSFIELD – Downtown Mansfield will feature an explosion of art in the heart of the city with ArtiStreet starting this weekend.
The fourth-annual outdoor arts and music festival was first thought of by Chuck Hahn to bring attention to the artisans of Mansfield, and to recognize the city as a culturally-rich area. It was also created with the purpose of bucking against the traditional, mellow art show.
“There isn’t a lot of excitement with a typical art show,” said Kathy Goodwin, coordinator of Element of Art, who hosts ArtiStreet.
With the help of Diana Hostettler, Bryan Gladden, Aurelio Diaz and a handful of other artists, ArtiStreet was eventually conceived as a carnival-like atmosphere.
The festivities will begin at Element of Art on Friday at 5 p.m. with an art opening, then continue into Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All mediums of art will be featured, including craft demonstrations, storytelling, dance, sculpture, painting, poetry, textile arts, woodworking and music.
Art will line the streets of downtown Mansfield on Saturday, throughout the sidewalks and on one blocked-off street in front of Richland Carrousel Park.
“People will see action going on in downtown Mansfield,” Goodwin said. “The artists will be lined up on the sidewalks of downtown Mansfield, and that brings more attention to the businesses. Then if there’s rain at all, the artists have the opportunity to sit in the storefronts of these businesses and continue what they’re doing.”
Goodwin described ArtiStreet as more “experiential,” where oftentimes attendees can watch art happening right in front of their eyes. Artists might be sculpting clay or painting a canvas, but also be free to chat and answer questions.
So far, at least 12 artists have pre-registered to demonstrate their art forms on Saturday. This includes first-time participants, the Mansfield Playhouse and Old Soul Vintage Attire & Records.
“It’s beneficial in so many ways because it shows the people of not just our community but all over this area of Ohio what Mansfield has to offer,” Goodwin said. “All the different art forms and the culture that we really are rich in can be seen at this event. It’s to stop people from saying there’s nothing to do in Mansfield.”
10:00 – Mansfield Symphony Orchestra
10:30 – Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre
11:00 – Mansfield Youth (MY) Theatre
11:30 – Mansfield Playhouse Youth Theatre
12:00 – Old Soul Fashion Show
12:30 – Noah Jones
1:00 – Ethan Kirshner
1:30 – Hand Jam Tribe
2:00 – Nate Wieland
2:30 – Fiendish Thingy
3:00 – Orie Rush
3:30 – Marshall Elgin
4:00 – Madison Shilliday
4:30 – Atomadam
5:00 – Pool Boy
