By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD — The Chestnut Center for the Arts is gearing up for a busy summer and fall season, according to Edie Smazal of the Chestnut Center for the Arts, who recently shared details about several upcoming community events during an interview with Marshfield Broadcasting.
One of the center's largest projects this year is "Cherish Our City," a community art initiative featuring 28 fiberglass chairs that are being transformed into unique works of art by local artists.
Smazal said five chairs have already been completed, with the remainder expected to arrive soon. The decorated chairs will be displayed at businesses throughout Marshfield from July 10 through Sept. 10, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to explore local shops while viewing the artwork.
"We want people to come to the businesses and visit the stores and see what's in Marshfield," Smazal said. "We have lots of cool places."
A map showing chair locations will be available, and photographs of all 28 chairs will be displayed at the Chestnut Center. Visitors can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the unique creations.
Raffle tickets will be available at several locations throughout Marshfield, including Main Street Marshfield, Southside Sips, Kalea Candles and the Chestnut Center.
The project will conclude Sept. 12 during the Chestnut Center's Oktoberfest celebration. All of the chairs will be brought back to the center, where visitors will have one final opportunity to purchase raffle tickets before winners are announced.
Smazal noted that the chairs are being treated for outdoor use, allowing winners to display them on porches, patios or inside their homes.
The Cherish Our City project is intended to do more than showcase local artwork. Organizers hope it will encourage residents and visitors to spend time exploring Marshfield businesses and discovering what the community has to offer.
In addition to the chair project, the Chestnut Center will host its annual youth art camp July 13-16. The camp will run from 1 to 3:30 p.m. each day and is open to students entering grades 1 through 8.
This year's theme is "Art Saves the Day," with activities centered around superheroes and creative expression.
Students in grades 1 through 5 will rotate through multiple activity stations, while students in grades 6 through 8 will work on more in-depth projects with a single instructor.
Smazal said families can save $20 by registering before July 1. Registration will remain open through July 8 before closing to allow instructors time to prepare materials and prepare for the camp.
She encouraged families looking for summer activities to consider the art camp as an alternative to sports and other traditional programs.
"You may have done your swimming camp, you may have done all of your sporting camps. Do an art camp — it's really fun," Smazal said.
The week will conclude with a reception showcasing student artwork and providing families an opportunity to celebrate the participants' accomplishments.
The Chestnut Center is also preparing for its Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 12. The event will feature German-themed food, beverages, activities, vendors and live entertainment from 1 to 7 p.m.
Plans include a large tent in the parking lot, two polka bands and an evening performance by a contemporary band.
With public art displays, youth programming and a new community festival on the horizon, Smazal said there is plenty happening at the Chestnut Center in the months ahead.