Community Comes Together at Holiday Art Fair
Visitors filled the Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba, Michigan, on Saturday for its annual Holiday Art Fair. The event brought together 30 vendors and attracted one of the largest crowds in recent years. The fair not only showcased local art and crafts but also served as a symbol of resilience and community support following a significant setback earlier this year.
A Symbol of Resilience
Gallery Director Kate Oman emphasized that the fair was an opportunity to demonstrate that the center is still active and thriving after the theater fire in May. “We want to show that we are open, alive, kicking, and doing well,” Oman said. “We’re happy to be back in our space and deeply grateful for the community’s support and compassion, which is evident in the number of people who have come today.”
Oman noted that the gallery section of the center was relatively unscathed by the fire and had reopened in July. However, the closure had a noticeable impact on artists and the broader community. Many relied on the center for exhibitions, events, and creative opportunities.
Longtime Vendors Express Support
Sara Beck, a vendor who has participated in the fair for over 20 years, shared her relief that the fire did not destroy the entire center. “It’s such a nice outlet for crafters and artists,” Beck said. “For me, it’s more of a hobby, but for others, it’s their livelihood. It’s exciting to see so many people here today.”
Dawn Ertl, another vendor, traveled from Wisconsin to support the gallery and fellow artists. She explained that some of her upcoming shows were delayed due to the fire, but she was heartened by the efforts to restore the center. “There was a brief period where they really did a lot of work around here to bring it back, and now it’s wonderful to see it all coming together again,” Ertl said.
Looking Ahead
Oman shared that the theater’s roof restoration is complete, and the center has received approval for new seats. She hopes the theater will reopen next year. For now, visitors can continue to enjoy the art displayed in the gallery.
A Celebration of Creativity
The Holiday Art Fair not only provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work but also reinforced the importance of community in times of challenge. The event highlighted the strength of the arts scene in Escanaba and the dedication of those who keep it alive.
As the center continues to recover and rebuild, the support from the public remains a crucial factor in its ongoing success. Whether through attending events, purchasing artwork, or simply showing up, the community plays a vital role in sustaining the cultural heart of the area.
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