Seven new artists will be part of this year’s Art in April.
The annual celebration of art will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 27 in downtown Monroe. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Monroe Business Network. Admission is free.
Art in April, which debuted in 2018, typically brings 150 to 200 visitors downtown.
“We expect a lot of people to visit downtown Monroe during this evening. This year we have 21 different businesses and over 23 artists, plus student artists,” event coordinator Paula Stanifer from the DMBN said. “All of the artists are local, Monroe artists. There are a few who have attended for many years.”
Art in April offers a self-guided walk through downtown Monroe businesses. Participating stores host displays of works by the artists. At most stops, the artist will be present. Art genres will include acrylic, canvas and art drawings, photography, woodwork, pottery, stonework and hand-crafted jewelry items. Some piece will be for sale.
As in the past, some businesses also will offer refreshments and specials. Participants can register to win a gift certificate for downtown Monroe businesses at the Ryan Blanchett & Tim Stoddard Farm Bureau Agency, 123 W. First St.
Two stores will hold special events. Well-known Monroe artist David Larkins will offer a painting demonstration at Public House, 38 N. Monroe St. A make-and-take workshop will be offered at Barn Owl Studio, 20 S. Monroe St.
Art in April premiered in 2018. It was again held in 2019, but COVID-19 canceled the celebration for the next two years. It resumed last spring.
Art in April will be held regardless of weather.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit Downtown Monroe Michigan Business Network on Facebook.
At a glance
Art in April locations and artists:
Public House, 38 N. Monroe St.: David Larkins
Tiffany’s Pizza, 128 N. Monroe St.: Merle Arquette
Cakes By Stephanie, 207 N. Monroe St.: Charlie Rumschlag
Frenchie’s Fine Jewelry & Coins, 15 E. Front St.: Susan Woelmer-Siebarth
Integrative Sustainable Movement, 101 E. Front St.: Debra Hoffmaster and Heather Jarosz
129 Lounge, 129 E. Front St.: Various local artists
Amaya’s Mexican Grill, 29 S. Monroe St.: Becky Mullins
Floral City Images & Photography, 47 S. Monroe St.: Michele DuBay-Cassidy
$20 & Below, 6 E. First St.: Cierra Cote
Dorsch Memorial Branch Library, 18 E. First St.: Julie Pillarelli
Jack’s Bicycle, 206 S. Monroe St.: Susan Grant
Monroe County Museum, 126 S. Monroe St.: Pauline Harmon
River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St.: Emily Short
Logan Charles Salon, 110 S. Monroe St.: Leslie Dietsch
The Conservatory, 21 W. First St.: Karen McLaughlin
Ryan Blanchett & Tim Stoddard Farm Bureau, 123 W. First St.: Betzi Lievens
Salon 23, 23 W. Front St.: Karen Jenkins and Pam Diulio
Front Street Mercantile, 34 W. Front St.: Sophisticated Chaos
Williams Insurance Agency, 14 W. Front St.: Amy McBroom’s students from Monroe High School
Brown Bag Boutiques, 14 S. Monroe St.: Molly Hedglen
Barn Owl Studio, 20 S. Monroe St.: Make-and-take workshops
Maps of the locations will be available at each site.
