We have the best recreation facilities, the best schools, the best athletics, and it is time for us to step up our games in offering and promoting arts in the community”Waid Harbison, Marketing and Programs Director for CP&R
CULLMAN – When you think of Cullman Parks & Recreation, you probably think of soccer, baseball, and playing disc golf at Heritage Park. This April, however, CP&R will be turning their focus on an area they feel needs more mass attention – the arts. Art in the Park will be at Heritage Park on Saturday, April 11 at 9 a.m.
Waid Harbison, marketing and programs director for Cullman City Parks & Rec, says that this is an important next step for the CP&R community.
“CP&R is trying to expand into the arts,” Harbison said.
“One of the main focuses of our department is to offer something that would interest everyone. We have done a great job with athletics, sports, cheerleading, and even adult and senior programs and classes, but art is one of the areas we realized we needed to step up in. We are hosting this event to promote the arts in the community and get it on the forefront of people’s minds. There is a lot to do in Cullman, and so we want that to include a wide array of art programs.”
According to Harbison, this event will kick-off a new CP&R Community Arts program that will have classes for preschoolers, home school students, adults and more that will focus on painting, specialty crafts, antiques, outdoor arts, family art nights, and more.
“All ages are invited to participate and there will be something for everyone to do,” said Harbison.
“We will be offering an art contest with categories for paintings, drawings and mixed media for all ages. Entry forms can be picked up at the Cullman Civic Center and artwork must be dropped off at Shop Around the Corner, who will be sponsoring and judging the event. We will also be offering free craft stations for kids to come in and do craft items, as well as other kid’s games and inflatables, all free to use."
A sidewalk chalk contest will also be held and anyone can show up and register to draw their best piece in one hour with a box of sidewalk chalk. In addition, a large arts and crafts show will be featured throughout the day at Heritage Park.
All of the proceeds for this event will be put into the new arts program in order to offer as many programs, classes and events centered around the arts. Harbison said these programs will have a large impact on the youth in the community, offering something they might not have otherwise been exposed to, as well as offering something new for our adult and senior citizens.
“Cullman is a very progressive community that is very ahead of the curve in almost every area. We have the best recreation facilities, the best schools, the best athletics, and it is time for us to step up our games in offering and promoting arts in the community. Arts are one of the major places we are missing people in Cullman, and so many people in the community do not have access to an adequate arts program. We encourage the entire community to come out and attend; even if you are not a participant, there are hundreds of local artists who put lots of time and work into their art, and we want to showcase them for all of their efforts.”
Visit CullmanRecreation.org/programs-events/events for more information.
