The August weather will be hot, but Battle Creek will be cool with a major art event that happens for an entire week.
Color the Creek brings artists from all over the country to paint murals in the city. To find a map and guide to all of the past murals (more than 30!) stop at the Battle Creek Welcome Center.
Watching the artists at work is fun in itself, but there’s lots more for everyone (even the non-artist) to do.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Disc Golf (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
A temporary disc golf course will be set up along the Battle Creek riverwalk for a new challenge! Start at Handmap Brewing Co. and buy a beer – the course goes through the downtown social district, so you can bring drinks along with you. There are also plenty of options for good eats in downtown. Register here; registration costs $20 and includes a disc and towel. All profits will be donated to the LLS- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Sunday, Aug. 13
Art of Soul Exhibit Reception (3 to 5 p.m.)
Meet local Black artists at this eclectic art exhibit hosted by the Art Center of Battle Creek. It’s been curated by Teaira Gray, whose mural you can find on the Black Lives Matter wall. You’ll see some other familiar artists from Color the Creek.
Jaziel Pugh’s bold and colorful style is showcased on many walls of the city. There are at least seven murals by Pugh in Battle Creek, including at venues such as Willard Library, Binder Park Zoo and Kellogg Community College.
Jamari Taylor’s work was added over the entrance to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation last year, but our favorite mural by her is a contemplative woman in a headwrap at 44. W. Michigan Ave. This work uses expressions and color to portray mystery, focus and beauty in Black portraiture.
Admission to the exhibit is free. Other participating artists include: Aerick Burton, Escada Gordon and Shaquona Espinoza.
Monday, Aug. 14
The mural painting begins on Monday. A list of artists and a map showing where they’re working will be available on social media for Color the Creek. Also keep an eye out on the Battle Creek Visitors Facebook page for updates.
Wed., Aug. 16
Youth Day at Mill Race Park (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
This one is for the kids! From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be spray painting and chalk art at Mill Race Park. Marygold Meadows will teach kids how to make flower crowns that they can take home. And don’t miss out on the ice cream truck. It’s a free, colorful event for families who want to play and create.
Fri., Aug. 18
Art Hop (4 to 8 p.m.)
Artists are taking over downtown Battle Creek, with booths set up inside businesses and overflowing out into public spaces. It’ll be in the social district, so grab a glass of wine or beer and take a stroll through Battle Creek’s original imagination.
Que Calor Art Show at Café Rica (8 to 10 p.m.)
The summer night gets hotter at Café Rica. Twelve curated artists will show off their work during this social event and exhibit. There will also be music and specialty drinks that will be “So Hot.”
Sat., Aug. 19
Battle Creek Chalk Art Festival/Closing Block Party (5pm to 9pm)
Celebrate Battle Creek’s newest murals with a party at Festival Market Square. Chalk artists will compete with large artworks on the sidewalks. Feel free to grab some chalk and contribute your own pictures.
