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MOUNT CLEMENS — ArtParty is back with dining, drinking, mingling and merriment, all supporting the arts in Macomb County.
Approaching what will be its 33rd edition, the Anton Art Center is hosting its annual ArtParty fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19.
“The theme of the event is Starry Night, based on (Vincent) Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night,’ and we are partnering with Axalta, whose color of the year is also Starry Night,” said Matt Matthews, executive director of the Anton Art Center. “It’s a beautiful black with blue and silver flecks, and we’ll be celebrating under the starry night of the tent in the parking lot.”
Beyond the mingling that accompanies the ArtParty festivities, attendees will be able to take in live music, witness a mural be painted throughout the evening, and observe weaving and pottery demonstrations, among other amenities. Attendees are welcome to wander the art center itself to shop in the Anton Art Market and peruse its galleries, currently showcasing its Annual Artists Choice Show on the second floor and the Michigan League of Handweavers’ 22nd Biennial Fiber Exhibit on the first floor.
ArtParty has always been known to reel in important guests, and Macomb County’s first family — County Executive Mark Hackel and his wife, Tracie Hackel — will serve as honorary co-chairs.
“Co-chairs because my wife Tracie is definitely more artistic,” Mark said. “She’s more crafty and creative. She’s an Irish step dancer so she has more of a connection to art by being more artistic in many ways. She agreed to co-chair with me.”
Having attended ArtParty events in the past, the co-chair and executive are well prepared for the evening ahead.
“The food that they have on display from all over the Mount Clemens area is always a fan favorite, but the music and the more important part (is) the people that gather for the event,” Mark Hackel said. “It’s an incredible turnout of people throughout the entire community. It’s not just your who’s who; it is everybody. It happens to be people from all walks of life there to enjoy that moment and engage with one another.”
Someone who will need to prepare themselves is Mathews, as this will be his first ArtParty as the Anton Art Center’s executive director.
“I am excited to experience it,” Mathews said. “I am not sure exactly what to expect, but I know it’s a lot of fun. It gets great feedback. It is an incredibly important event in the community, and so I am excited to go and introduce myself as the executive director of the art center, but also excited to just experience it and make sure I have a good time as well. Everything I’ve heard about it is just how fun it is and how it’s a celebration of not only the art center and the arts, but also Macomb County.”
Tickets to ArtParty are available at theartcenter.org/artparty starting at $80 for single tickets and $150 for two. Funds raised support the Anton Art Center’s programming.
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