Arts & Entertainment
What a Blast: BBAC’s ArtBlast to Celebrate the Fourth in Style
See fireworks, create art and enjoy mouthwatering picnic fare at this July 3 extravaganza.
The (BBAC) is celebrating its fifth year as host to ArtBlast, a Fourth of July extravaganza that transforms the center into a red-white-and-blue party central. This year’s event will take place July 3.
Many of the attendees agree that not only is the event a chance to commemorate the country’s independence in style, but also provides an opportunity to create family traditions and memories.
Romy Nickoloff of Birmingham enjoys the patriotic affair for its food, fun and fireworks elements, and also considers it a wonderful mom-and-daughter outing.
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“We started attending when my daughters were about 6 and 7 years old,” says Nickoloff, an artist who works in acrylics. The Nickoloffs enjoy the food and the crafts as well as the fireworks. “What’s really great is seeing happy people all creating things together, young and old,” said Nickoloff. “My daughters look forward to this every year.”
The family brings a blanket to sit on during the fireworks, which occurs next door at Lincoln Hills Golf Course.
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“We like to lay on the grass and watch,” said Nickoloff, whose children have participated in the center’s art camps over the years.
Joshua and Lisa Sherbin of Bloomfield Hills also enjoy the festivities every year. Their children also have taken classes at the center; Josh Sherbin took classes there as a child. Sherbin is now the BBAC’s chairman of the board and is general counsel at Bloomfield Hills-based TriMas Corp.
“We haven’t missed an ArtBlast yet,” said Sherbin. “Lisa and I love ArtBlast — it’s a great event that brings together all ages to enjoy the art center, great food and music, along with a perfect seat for the Birmingham fireworks.”
The Sherbin kids are 16, 13 and 10. “The BBAC staff and volunteers do a fantastic job transforming the center into a clever party theme – the surf theme was our favorite,” said Sherbin. “ArtBlast is both great fun and a great value. A win all around – including for the art center.”
Acting executive director at the BBAC Annie VanGelderen is especially excited about this year’s many workshops, including a jewelry-making program using scrabble pieces.
“Even the men can get in the act and make cufflinks with the pieces,” said VanGelderen just a few days before the event. While preparing the candy “bar” with sweets in the “Candy Land” room and reviewing plans for oversize candy-theme decorations, VanGelderen shared that each gallery will have a game theme.
Gwenn Rosseau, vice president of finance at the BBAC, got into the creative act with her “Angry Birds” adornments. There will also be a fun-ky craft collage project awaiting guests as well.
As for food, patrons can enjoy everything from beef tenderloin sliders and grilled chicken breast to salads, four-cheese pizzas, beverages and an ice-cream cooler full of Good Humor treats. While post fireworks traffic clears, organizers welcome attendees to indulge in more treats and a movie.
“The BBAC is a great place to take in the Fourth,” said Nickoloff, “and mix art into the celebration.”
About ArtBlast: The event begins at 7 p.m. and runs until after the Birmingham Fireworks display (there is dessert and more fun following the fireworks). For ticket information, call the BBAC at (248) 644-0866.
A variety of family packages and single-ticket prices are offered, along with complimentary SMART shuttle service from free parking at area high schools. All proceeds benefit educational and community programming at the BBAC.
