By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Friday was a beautiful day to be an artist. Or a performer. Or just someone who appreciates the arts.
Art in the Park was held in the early evening at Simpson Garden Park under sunny skies, warm temperatures, and just enough breeze to ruffle the pages of music on a stand.
Art in the Park, presented by the Bowling Green Arts Council and BG Parks and Recreation, celebrates creativity in the open air, mostly. The kids’ activities took place inside.
Greg Justus was painting at the east entrance to the park. “It’s summer, and you just want to be outside,” he said. Having the sounds of the Irish band Toraigh wafting from the nearby healing garden only added to the charm of the event.
Painter Cindy Goebel was set up near the conifer garden. This provided, she said, the color and texture she was seeking.
Goebel said she’s wanted to paint in the garden. Art in the Park, which she heard about at a social event recently, offered that opportunity. “What better way to just come and do it.”
Her soundtrack was provided by the Kazenodaichi Taiko drum ensemble from BGSU.
Corey Wells, one of the drummers, said the casualness of park event is a nice change from the more formal concerts the ensemble performs. They take time between numbers, giving them a chance to answer questions. Someone asked about their clothing. A drummer explained while somewhat traditional, it is mostly practical because it allows for the movement required to perform taiko.
Wells said he enjoyed the strength and power of the music as well as the movement. “It engages every part of what you’re doing.”
Painter Brynn Busalacchi enjoys working outside. It’s a different kind of painting from the portraits and sci-fi and surrealistic art, she does in her studio.
It puts a “time constraint” on her to get the work done. Her aim is to finish the painting in one outdoor session. “I don’t want to take a photo and reference it later,” Busalacchi said. “The moment is right now.”
This, she said, is good practice that helps her improve her craft. “It’s like a free class almost.”
Lisa Chavers who was walking through the garden with her friend Jocelyn Austin said she was fascinated to see “so many talented people making so much with their gifts.”
Pina Vondruska and her daughter Kaylee Vondruska, a BGSU education student, were watching Vicki Knaeurhase spinning yarn.
They are from Cleveland, but since Kaylee has an apartment rented through the summer, they decided to have a Bowling Green getaway this weekend.
“She wanted Flatlands coffee,” the mother said.
The daughter suggested they come to Art in the Park. She visits Simpson Garden to relax during the school year.
“It’s really pretty,” Pina said.
For Linda Leow, of Bowling Green, the event was a perfect way to spend time with her granddaughter Leighton Leow, 7, who is spending the weekend with her.
They were among those participating in the hands-on art activities inside.
Leow said this this was the first time she’d attended Art in the Park, though she lives in the neighborhood and often walks in the parks.
Outside the Senior Moments Guitars were playing what could have been the theme song for the event, the Louis Armstrong hit, “What a Wonderful World.”
