HEATING UP … Larchmere Fire Works performed live glass blowing demonstrations.
DANCING TO INSPIRE … Jennifer Bowen performed ‘See Me,’ a piece designed to motivate through dance.
MUSICAL MELODIES … Lovestreet Reunion kept things rocking as one of multiple live bands taking the music stage.
LIVE ART … Artist Nathaniel Miller demonstrates his craft; painting live at his booth as part of the Juried Art Fair.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Flair on the Square had something to awaken everyone’s inner artist. From glass blowing to balloon animals, there was truly a unique blend of all things art bustling around the square in downtown Bryan.
On July 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the square was filled with art displays, fresh produce, food trucks, and multiple stages, all keeping guests entertained, despite the less-than-perfect weather.
Starting at noon, patrons could enjoy live music from The Together Band. Taking over the live stage was The Late Show, with several other live acts, the Tony Godsey Band, Lovestreet Reunion, and Smithfield, continuing through 8:00 p.m.
Just a few feet away from the music stage were several food trucks offering everything from lobster rolls to ice cream sundaes. If beating the heat was your game, several restaurants around the square were open and ready for business.
Just off the square, Gallery 317 was hosting the rising artists exhibit, showcasing the work of regional rising artists. The gallery showcased several paintings as well as sculptures, pottery, and mixed media pieces.
Another exhibit, located in parlor 1861, showcased the work of local high school students. The emerging artists had several pieces showcasing talents in drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography.
While venturing around the square, art could be seen displayed in almost every storefront. Filling the closed-off street was the Juried Art Fair, featuring regional artists showcasing various art styles in painting, mixed media, jewelry, woodworking, glass blowing, ceramics, sculptures, photography, and digital art.
On the opposite side of the square, vendors were set up for the fresh market. Local honey, fresh produce, and fresh cut flowers were just a few of the items for purchase.
On the courthouse lawn, patrons could create their own art with several options, part of the interactive community art. Squirt Paint Academy and squeegee art were two of the more unique options available.
Make-and-take art projects, like heart ornaments, offered a personal souvenir. For younger attendees, the pavilion was a hub of activity, offering balloon art or face painting.
Additionally, the Williams County Public Library provided a memorable takeaway with its cart of free books and coloring pages.
Community art could also be seen surrounding the square as many of the sidewalks showcased some of the youngest artists’ work, done in chalk medium.
On the shady side to the north, the performance stage highlighted the dance and theater artists. A diverse group of performances kept the audience entertained and engaged. Kicking off at 11:15 a.m., performances continued throughout the day including an interactive demo on musical theater dance and a theater arts showcase.
One such performance, from Bryan native and Ball State student Jennifer Bowen, called ‘See Me,’ sought to inspire human connection and purpose.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, Bowen performed an interactive piece that culminated in her intertwining hands with an audience member.
The performance was also featured in video form at Gallery 317, as part of the Artists Rising Exhibit. In the subsequent question-and-answer portion, Bowen was asked about her thought process during the impromptu interpretive dance she had just performed, which was based on the audience’s word suggestions of ‘power’ and ‘perseverance.’
Bowen responded by stating she thought of surrendering as a form of power. “That is so powerful when you are able to be vulnerable and be your true and raw self,” Bowen explained, adding that this concept inspired her dance to be more ‘melty.’
The two main stages were not the only places to catch live performances. Art demos were happening until 5:00 p.m.
A popular stop was the glass-blowing booth, offering glass blowing and blacksmithing demonstrations by Larchmere Fire Works. Reid Nicholls offered pottery demonstrations, and Nathaniel Miller could be seen painting live at booth 18 in the Juried Art Fair.
By bringing together diverse artistic expressions and interactive experiences, Flair on the Square lived up to its name, transforming downtown Bryan into a lively hub where creativity and community flourished.