By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — It didn’t take long for downtown Warsaw to embrace the Lakeland Art Association.
Just a matter of weeks after the organization moved into its new home at 119 S. Buffalo St., it was asked to be the centerpiece of a new Friday night series.
Main Street Warsaw is collaborating with downtown retailers and the Art Association to host Sip ‘N Shop, on four separate Friday nights that will feature drinks, art and live music.
The art association is currently seeking to fill 15 tents where artists will sell or display their wares.
Such involvement in the downtown is exactly what the art association was banking on when the association moved from its location on Winona Avenue, according to Melodie Koher, president of the art association.
“The possibilities are endless, and it’s so exciting,” Koher said.
She said she’s enthused about helping attract more people to the downtown and enlightening them about the many inexpensive things to do.
Dates for the series are July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, and Oct. 3, and hours are from 5 to 7 p.m.
She said they think they’ll be able to fill the 15 tents with no problem.
“I just sent out a press release and I’ve already received confirmation from three artists that they definitely want a space,” she said.
She said the non-profit group has seen other positive changes since making the move.
“We’ve had an increase in the classes that we’re offering to the community, we’ve had an increase in membership and an increase in sales,” Koher said. “It has been amazing.”
Terry Sweeny, executive director of Main Street Warsaw, said they’re excited about the opportunity to expand the cultural offerings and will announce more details soon on the overall Sip N Shop series.
A news release from the art association provided the following details:
Participation is free for paid members. Non-members will be asked to pay $50 per event for booth space.
To enter, participants will need to register and submit three photos of their artwork and one photo of the display booth to Lakeland Art Association, PO Box 53, Warsaw, IN 46580, or email lakelandartassociation@gmail.com. Call 574-457-6085 with any questions.
Products for sale must be handmade by the artist.
Not Allowed: Products purchased for resale, mass-produced products, party plan merchandise, and commercially made products that are merely embellished.
