Art from our Parks fills Deerfield Park with experience for every sense

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Deerfield Park came alive with music and art Saturday afternoon for Art From our Parks.

The third annual event drew people from around the community to the park, 2425 W. Remus Rd., to be inspired by and appreciate music and art.

“My favorite part about being out here every year is the mixing of all the senses — fire, music, dancing, chili, poetry and art,” said Mount Pleasant resident Caroline Kramer. “This promotes Deerfield Park and creates the opportunity for others to visit surrounding parks.”

People gathered around the bonfire to hear songs and share stories while other parts of the park showcased performers of all different art and dance forms.

Students from Amy Perschbacher’s dance class from the Vision Studio of Performing Arts, 115 S. Mission St., performed a jazz number. It exposed the girls to a new performing stage and expanded their experiences, she said.

“I wanted to teach my pupils that (dance) is actually about expression and fun that can be anywhere, not just an auditorium,” the Mount Pleasant resident said.

Next up was the Central Michigan University Musical Theater Performance Society.

The group of Musical Theater majors preformed songs like “Two Nobody’s in New York” and “What I Did For Love” with a Broadway flair.

“This was such a great opportunity for us,” said Bay City sophomore Dylan Ratell. “Every time we get the chance to sing we take it!”

The performances surprised many viewers.

Grand Rapids resident Rex Tower laughs while talking about his painting Saturday during Arts From Our Parks at Deerfield Park, 2425 W. Remus Rd. "Art is the only thing I can do well," Tower said, laughing. (Jeff Smith/Staff Photographer)

It was Rex Tower’s third year at the event.

“It’s all I do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” the Grand Rapids resident said. “It’s all based around art and being creative, I live it.”

Towers painted a mural of the trees and path he was closest to at the beginning of the festival.

A poem written by a performer they saw last year inspired the Kramer family to return.

“It’s about moving on and letting go in reference to the seasons,” Kramer said. “It is especially coming in handy since we’re moving to Virginia on Monday.”

Mount Pleasant resident Liz Busch was glad Art From our Parks was continuing.

“This event combines two of the most important things in our family — nature and artistic expression,” the Mount Pleasant resident said.

Busch attended the festival with her two sons, daughter and guitar playing husband, who performed during the final act of the festival.

Every year the festival ends with Rick Stevens, an Art From our Parks founder, painting a large piece with his hands and feet. Getting away from the brush helps him unleash his more creative side, the Mount Pleasant resident said.

“Art can inspire your heart, I know it’s what inspires my heart to beat,” Stevens said. “Out here we have the perfect combination of music, art, coffee, fire and a mellow atmosphere.”