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WEST BLOOMFIELD — The 19th Orchard Lake Fine Art Show is set to come to West Bloomfield July 30-31.
From the perspective of West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees member Debbie Binder, the show is a “summer staple” for West Bloomfield residents.
“As an art enthusiast, I personally feel the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show sets the standard for high-end art shows and gives West Bloomfield prominent exposure in the art world,” Binder stated via email. “The Orchard Lake Fine Art Show engages visitors from the entire region and puts West Bloomfield on display in front of many. … The show’s producer, Patty Narozny, works hard to provide a show that represents the quality, diversity and values embraced by our township.”
According to a press release, the show has been voted in the top 100 art shows in America for the last 12 years it has been produced, with the art being original and handmade in all disciplines.
The release further states that the show has “something for everyone,” and in all price ranges.
The show is set to take place 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 30 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 31.
Parking is free in the back half of the parking lot behind Beaumont Medical Center, located at 6900 Orchard Lake Road, between 14 Mile and 15 Mile roads.
“Drive all the way to the back of the parking lot to the entrance of the art show at Daly Road,” the release states.
Aside from art, Narozny said there will also be “nonstop entertainment,” including musical acts.
“There’s plenty of food, fun and entertainment,” Narozny said.
Despite all that the weekend festivities have to offer, Narozny’s said the “visual arts” are the prime draw for people who attend the shows.
She estimated that approximately 7,000 to 10,000 people typically attend the shows in West Bloomfield each year.
“We’ve established a metro Detroit reputation as, ‘This is the show to go to,’” Narozny said.
Narozny, who also works outside of Michigan, explained one of the reasons for the popularity of the shows.
“Because we have shows on a national level, I’ve established a great national reputation,” she said. “We bring artists to Michigan — and other quality art to Michigan — that you don’t see at many other shows in Michigan.”
This is the second consecutive year that the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show is set to run since being canceled in 2020, which West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Steven Kaplan said was due to COVID-19.
He shared his perspective as to what the show brings to the West Bloomfield community.
“It’s a wonderful event because it’ll energize our community,” Kaplan said. “Last year, and maybe the past two years, have been depressing, with restaurants closing and events not being held. This is an opportunity for our residents to mingle, see old friends and enjoy a very fine art fair at a low cost.”
Admission costs $5, but those 13 and younger attend for free.
According to the release, residents can save their receipts for in-and-out access for the duration of the show.
Narozny said that there are normally approximately 140-150 artists at the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show.
However, she expects things to be different this year.
“Unfortunately, due to the economy and due to the extreme gas prices now, the show will be smaller,” Narozny said. “We’re still at about 100 (or) 110 artists. We’re losing artists because, for example, people from Florida are not traveling to Michigan this year because the gas prices are too high, and that has a major effect on our industry.”
Narozny discussed the ratio of Michigan-based artists, compared to non-Michigan based artists.
“We got about a third from Michigan and two-thirds from out of state,” she said. “So they’re gonna see artists you won’t see at many other shows. … It’s a quality show — boutique style.”
Narozny said that there is a lot of planning that goes into the shows.
She acknowledged the township and the police, fire and code enforcement departments.
“They are huge (and) on top of this show, with making sure everything is safe,” Narozny said. “They’re our partners with the show.”
At 3 p.m. July 30, the Professional Artist Awards are set to be presented, which will be followed by the Raymond James Youth Art Competition at 3 p.m. July 31.
The youth art competition is for students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13.
Cash awards will be presented as part of both awards ceremonies.
For more information, send an email to patty@hotworks.org or call (248) 762-2462.
Narozny said that people “come from the entire metro Detroit area for this.”
“I’m glad we’re having a show,” she said. “We have a beautiful show. It’s coming together very well.”
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