The Eagle

ARToberfest returns to Canton Township Sept. 27

The popular one-day ARToberfest will return to Canton Township from noon until 6 p.m. Sept. 27.  The event will be sponsored by Blink Eye Care, Edward Jones of Cherry Hill Village, Expressions Music Academy, Jacob Matthew Jewelers, StoryPoint Canton, Uptown Salon, Village Church, and The Village Dentist.

Festivalgoers will have a chance to fully immerse themselves in art and fall fun in and around Preservation Park, located at 500 N. Ridge Road, as well as on the Village Arts Factory campus, located at 50755 Cherry Hill Road.  Shuttles will also be available between Preservation Park and the Village Arts Factory, organizers said.

Additional festivities include an artisan marketplace, live music, food trucks, along with beer and adult beverages for the 21 and older crowd.  In addition, cider, donuts, seasonal snacks and more will be available.

The Cherry Hill Potters Guild Fall Exhibition and Pottery Sale at the Village Arts Factory, providing festivalgoers with a chance to peruse and buy one-of-a-kind creations. The Third Youth Art Fair featuring the work of promising student artists aged 8 to 18 will also be under way Preservation Park.

“The interest in this popular family fall festival that celebrates the arts has been amazing,” said Kevin Ryan, Village Arts Factory Program Director.  “Each year ARToberfest keeps developing into a perfect fall destination that not only offers a full range of creative works and merchandise available for purchase but also features a variety of family-friendly artistic and creative activities that showcase the arts.”

In addition, an Oktoberfest beer tent that is hosted by Maraschinos Pub, plus a stein-holding contest.  Live entertainment will also be featured.  Additional activities include a range of engaging fall-themed activities tailored specifically for children, including the Detroit Institute of Arts kids’ craft tent that is available, as well as lawn games hosted by Oak Pointe Church Canton.

Festivalgoers will also be able to view the 31st annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition, on display throughout October in the Gallery at Cherry Hill inside the Village Theater, as well as the Village Arts Factory Fine Art exhibition inside its facility.  Both of these venues showcase a broad range of artistic styles and interpretations in a variety of mediums from emerging and well-established Michigan artists.

Admission to ARToberfest is free. For additional information, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5360.