Erica Simonetti | incuba8

Inaugural Community Canvas cold, but still a success, organizers say

TRACY BURTON OF MIDLAND DAILY NEWS- Published: Monday, October 4, 2010 10:00 am (Click here to go to article)
The word “WELCOME” chalked in orange bubble letters took up the width of the street as dozens of Midland residents crossed over, entering the first Community Canvas festival Saturday. A pink message followed: “Let’s color Midland Together!”

And that is just what children and adults alike did. By the end of the day, chalked drawings of love messages, suns, birds, clouds and more filled much of the street downtown near the Tridge.

The festival, planned by a group of area college students and other community residents, aimed to offer a family-friendly celebration connecting Midland’s artistic, musical, theatrical and scientific communities together.

Despite chilly weather, many strolled, played swords or even danced around during the different activities.

The day included many attractions including an art exhibition, live music, do-it-yourself chalk art, hourly dance lessons, interactive science demonstrations and a local dance and improv performance known as “Flash Mob.”

“Flash Mob is when people just break out into dance moves and all of a sudden you just have a big mob of people dancing,” said 8-year-old Luca Jolly of Midland. “It is really amazing.”

A few short minutes later Luca was showing off her moves with about 30 other dancers to an upbeat mix of music.

Onlookers taped with their video cameras or cell phones amid claps, whistles and cheers.

“This is awesome,” said Gabrielle Zimmer of Midland. “It makes me want to dance.”

Jenifer Sisco and her daughter, Rachel, 6, were enjoying the day, too.

“We’re out on a mom and daughter date,” Sisco said while watching Rachel write her name in blue and pink chalk. “It’s fun. It’s giving us a variety of things to do. All of the volunteers have been awesome, too.”

Charlie Beacom, one of the event’s organizers, said the weather may have kept some away, but he was still happy with the turnout.

“At least we’re having our first go at this because we’re planning on doing it again next year,” said Beacom, a Delta College student. “I think this could be a really big event.”

Community Canvas: New event hopes to attract large crowds on Saturday

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS- Community Canvas — a family-friendly celebration that connects Midland’s artistic, musical, theatrical and scientific communities — will make its debut from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the end of Ashman Street near the Farmer’s Market by the Tridge.
The idea behind the event, which is free and open to the public, is to bring the community together by transforming downtown Midland into a canvas where talented individuals can share their skills to energize community members and celebrate diversity throughout the day.

The daylong festival is organized by dozens of local residents and business and organization leaders throughout the Midland area including Opportunity Analysts LLC, a new entrepreneurship venture located in Midland.

“This event is a collaborative effort of many people in the area,” said Caryn Shick, president and CEO of Opportunity Analysts. “The day will be remembered as a day where the community came together, drew closer and saw a new side of Midland’s colorful character.”

Many attractions are planned including an art exhibition, live music, do-it-yourself chalk art, hourly dance lessons, interactive science demonstrations and local dance and improv performances.

“It’s an interactive day where the community can come together,” Shick said. “There will be musicians playing all day. We’ll have swing and Latin dancing lessons with a big dance in the evening. People will be able to experience the area’s diversity through many activities.”

To learn more about the event, visit www.midlandcommunitycanvas.com or contact Caryn Shick at (989) 430-3518 or [email protected].
Published: Thursday, September 30, 2010 2:06 pm (Click here to go to article)