ESCANABA — Downtown Escanaba is celebrating Art Week next week, ending with the Waterfront Art Festival on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“It’s a way to focus on the importance of art in our community leading up to the big event in the park,” said Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. The DDA is sponsoring the event with the Bonifas Arts Center.

ART WEEK ACTIVITIES

Most of the activities are at the Escanaba Marketplace at 15th and Ludington Streets. On Monday, there was various art projects as part of Kid’s Day.

Registration for adult classes today is available online or by calling the Bonifas at 906-786-3833. There will be three classes that adults can take.

“Veterans can take classes for free on Tuesday. It is going to be a fun day at the marketplace,” Oman said.

The three classes are Sun Hat Decorating Class with Dance Cribs-Mays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hand Strung Bead Bracelet or Hair Decor with Kribs-Mays from 1-2 p.m. and Polymer Clay Jewelry with Kayla Quinn.

Thursday is a Plein Air Painting Workshop at the marketplace with Marlene Wood from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Three cooking demonstrations will be held throughout Thursday including Macarons with Lisette LaFave from noon to 1:30 p.m., Fun with Phyllo with Christina Economopoulos from 3 to 5 p.m. and Grilled Pizza with Alicia Sturdy from 6 to 8 p.m.

“We have our movement day as well on Thursday including our move and groove and belly dancing. If you always wondered what belly dancing is like, you can partake in that,” said Oman.

Classes include S.U.N.N.Y. Self-Defense Workshop with Susan Dutton from 12-2 p.m., Loosen Up Class Demo from 4-5 p.m. and Move & Groove (cardio dance) from 5:15-5:45 p.m. with Nicole Nelson and Belly Dancing Demo with Jeana Harmon from 6-7 p.m. Registration is available at bonifasarts.org or at the Bonifas.

Music is also a part of Art Week in Escanaba.

Music Monday at the Karas Banshell features the band Grand Design from 7-9 p.m. Pink Violin will be at Lunch on Ludington at the Escanaa Marketplace on Wednesday.

Friday is the Pop-UP Market from 10 am to 4 pm. featuring art, crafts, products and flea market vendors.

WATERFRONT ART

FESTIVAL

The Waterfront Art Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 5 in Ludington Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 40 artists will be on display at the Karas Bandshell.

“I’m interested in seeing all of the different artwork,” said Heather Grimes, special events coordinator at the Bonifas. “We also have entertainment and venues for young artists.”

The Waterfront Art Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ludington Park.