Friday,
June 3rd the streets of downtown Kalamazoo were buzzing with
people eager to view and enjoy the art of local artists at
the Art Hop, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Arts Council.
The Kalamazoo State Theatre hosted local metal
sculpturist Lewis
Tardy for the event. The theatre fountain was running,
the organ was shining and the people were excitedly climbing
stairs to join his sculptures on a stage that has hosted everything
from vaudeville to Alice Cooper. Patron’s raved of the
wonderful presentation complete with professional stage lighting.
Warm summer breezes and a feeling of community
welcomed patrons to the theatre. The response was overwhelming
with an estimate of over 200 attendees. One “hopper”
noted that after visiting the theatre he left and then returned
later with friends to share the experience with them. Adult
& children were able to experience the intimate feel of
the theatre from a performer’s standpoint while looking
at Tardy’s 12 piece sampling on stage.
Despite the official ending time of the Art
Hop being 9 PM the State Theatre left its doors open until
nearly 10 PM to accommodate the large number of patrons still
enjoying the artwork and conversing with Tardy.
All in all a night under the State Theatre
star lit sky was a tremendous success ending with Mr. Tardy
selling one piece and allowing over 200 people into the theatre
to experience the 78 year old theatre in its full beauty! |
