The Children’s Art Preservation Association’s 22nd year of painting Morrison’s downtown is set for this weekend, Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, 2016. CAPA’s goals are to promote and encourage participation in the visual arts, and partner with local schools to create programs that expand opportunities for instruction and appreciation of the visual arts. This year’s event will showcase 2000 squares for families and individuals to paint, with a great line-up of food vendors and musical performers for the participants’ listening pleasure.
The event begins at noon on Saturday, with registration and supply pickup in the drive next to the American Legion, 306 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL. No early pickups will be allowed.
“At supply pickup, each participant will receive five bottles of paint (red, yellow, blue, white, and black); one narrow brush for lining and one wide brush for filling; chalk for sketching; cups, stirrers, and instructions for mixing colors; an event t-shirt; giveaway goodies from sponsors. Additional paint can be purchased from any of the information areas,” said Paint the Town Committee Chair, John Martin. “We request that artists do not bring their own paint, unless it is event paint left over from previous years. We have carefully tested our paints to find a product that will stay for a matter of weeks or months on the street and is still eco-friendly. Please paint only inside your assigned squares.”
As the event opens, music lovers will enjoy the music of “Steele Crazy,” a 10-piece steel drum band, on the corner of Main and Genesee Streets from noon to 3:00 p.m. “Backwater Bayou” will perform from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the corner of Main and Madison Streets. Joining in the fun at noon will be magician Jason Hamilton and Billy the Balloon Guy, both of whom will walk Main and Market Streets for the afternoon. Music continues from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the west end pocket park (by the Morrison Chamber of Commerce, across the street from the Post Office), with singer and “American Idol” contestant, Alex Fischbach. Also walking down Main and Market Streets from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. will be the Mariachi Cuerdas Mexicans. John Janssen, country music singer, will conclude the day’s entertainment from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the corner of Main and Genesee.
“Both professional and amateur musicians perform during our event. A wide variety of music styles and rhythms are featured to encourage an appreciation for the diversity of the arts,” said Martin. “In addition, our street performers ensure that no matter where the painters are, participants are within eye and earshot of music, a magician, balloon artist, or other entertainers.”
Food vendors will also be available throughout the day:
- walking tacos and root beer floats by the MHS Track Team
- baked potatoes and dill pickles by the Boy Scouts
- ribeyes, chicken, and hamburgers by Wiersema’s
- egg rolls, crab rangoons, and chicken fingers by Thai by Kai
- pies and homemade ice cream by Morrison Historical Society
- Pop’s Kettle Corn
- pulled pork by Co-Z Corner
- shaved ice and drinks by the Chill Shack
- brats, pork chops, hot dogs, and drinks by the Kiwanis
- caramel apples by Morrison Lions Club.
Fun continues on Sunday, September 18, when streets remain closed for visitors to enjoy the completed artwork. “We invite everyone back to Morrison’s downtown on Sunday to enjoy additional festivities,” said Martin. “This includes a pancake breakfast by the Morrison Wrestling Program; food vendors; music; new this year, an Arts and Crafts Show from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”
The “Pancakes and Paintings” breakfast will be served from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Main and Genesee Streets. Pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee will be offered by the MHS wrestlers. Additional food vendors, Thai by Kai and Pop’s Kettle Corn, will be available after the breakfast.
Registration for Paint the Town can be made online, in person, or by mail. Squares can be purchased online or at City Hall, 200 W. Main Street, Morrison, until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 15. Registrations by mail must be received no later than that day, also. Early bird pricing through the 15th is $13 per square (in person or by mail), or $14.71 online. Registrations will not be accepted Friday, September 16, in person or online. Squares may be purchased the day of the event for $18 at the Registration Booth on a first come, first serve basis, beginning at noon on Saturday, September 17.
“With a focus on families, CAPA is proud to host this phenomenal community event,” concluded Martin. “Together we can continue to enrich the life of our community, support the work of local artists, and partner with local schools, to create programs that expand opportunities for instruction and appreciation of the visual arts…because Art Matters!”
For more information or to register online, visit http://www.paintthetownmorrison.com or call Morrison City Hall at 815-772-7657.