Downtown Arts Market alive in Jamestown

Art lovers take note- Thursdays in Jamestown just got a lot more exciting! The Arts Center invites you to join them for the Downtown Arts Market every Thursday in June, July and August from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Downtown Arts Market is a celebration of art and community that will include artisan vendors and live entertainment at the Hanson Arts Park, located in the heart of downtown Jamestown, at the corner of First Avenue and Second Street SW.

The Hanson Arts Park came into being after a fire consumed a downtown building and left behind a large burned-out hole across from the Arts Center. Soon the Arts Center developed a vision to transform this area into a beautiful community green space and arts park that could serve as an inspirational, destination venue animated by amenities and artworks created by local, regional and national artists.  

That vision is closer to being realized thanks to so many volunteers, grants, donations and community supporters.

The Downtown Arts Market is one of the first gatherings at the Hanson Arts Park and, as part of Governor Burgum's initiative to help grow North Dakota downtowns, is expected to serve as a platform for site-specific installations and ongoing, regular performances, traveling exhibitions, educational programs and more.

This summer, Downtown Arts Market attendees will experience a variety of quality entertainment and vendors , enjoy the historical downtown businesses and hear the sounds of the finest musicians throughout North Dakota, all while browsing the work of talented artists of the northern Midwest.  Vendors will be selling arts and crafts (paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, etc.), fresh produce and other value-added agricultural products (soaps, pet products, bath and body care products, etc.), and cottage food products (baked goods, candies, dry herbs, jams, jellies, fresh eggs, seasoning mixes, etc.)

As for entertainment, special art demonstrations are planned throughout the summer, featuring local artists and offering art activities for both kids and adults. Kids activities will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m, adult activities will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Live musicians will provide entertainment every Thursday and include some of North Dakota's favorites such as Wayne Suchy, Jessie Veeder and others. In addition, special themed events will take place as part of the Third Thursday Series, which will be based on current exhibits at the Arts Center.

The first of this series will be held on Thursday, June 21, and will be a celebration of North Dakota's Native American Culture. Metis fiddler and member of the International Fiddlers Hall of Fame, Ryan Keplin, will be featured with his incredible fiddling and his traditional, original music.

In July, the Third Thursday Series will be a celebration of European roots, with old-time and polka music from musicians such as Matt Hodek and the Dakota Dutchmen and Julia Lee and her White Rose band. The third Thursday in August celebrates America's homegrown arts and culture. Jazz is an original American art form and the 17-member Fargo-Moorhead Kicks Big Band will play favorites from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington. The evening will open with a "trip" to New Orleans and the Dixieland Jazz from the French Quarter. Additional information and schedule can be found at http://jamestownarts.com.