Village Arts Factory opens spring lineup: paid teen work‑study, statewide watercolor show and community festivals

Kevin Ryan, community program director for the Village Arts Factory, told Canton Contact listeners about a slate of spring programs for artists, families and teens.

Ryan said the center will run a paid five‑week work‑study program for 14‑ to 18‑year‑olds focused on backstage theater skills — from costume and prop work to sound and lighting — tied to the summer musical. “It really is a very unique opportunity...those teams that fulfill the program after the five weeks will get a $300 stipend for completing the program,” Ryan said. Applications are available online and are due April 15; the program is expected to begin in June.

The Village Arts Factory will host the Michigan Watercolor Society’s statewide exhibition throughout April; gallery admission is free and Ryan said typical gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the show running through April 28.

Ryan also announced a four‑week memoir‑writing workshop led by local author Dorothy Best beginning Thursday, April 9 (2–4 p.m.), with registration priced at $175 and including group sessions and individual coaching. An assemblage workshop called “Wood,” led by local artist Daniel Zuber, will give participants the chance to build sculptures from upcycled wood.

Community events include a free Holi Festival of Colors on April 17 from 5–7 p.m. at the Village Arts Factory with live cultural performances and local food offerings, an Earth Day celebration at Workman Square on April 21 featuring complimentary tree saplings and resource booths, and the Art in Bloom Spring Artisan Festival on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which will feature vendors, food trucks and live music.

For details and registration, Ryan directed listeners to villageartsfactory.com and the organization’s Facebook page for daily updates.