42nd annual Medina County Arts Week kicks off on Sunday

Medina County residents will have the chance to see performances and make art themselves as part of the county's annual Arts Week festival, which starts on Sunday and ends July 20. Medina County Arts Council Secretary Sheila Noel said Arts Week is a countywide celebration, which aims to provide free and low-cost artistic experiences, activities and performances for people of all ages. Arts Week has run for 42 years, and it started the same year as the Arts Council. "Our goal is to make the arts more accessible for everyone, but at the same time highlight the creative spirit that flows and flourishes throughout the Medina County area," she said. This year's Arts Week will consist of live music and dance performances, art exhibits and hands-on workshops that take place in locations throughout the county, Noel said. Most of the events are family-friendly, but some have a minimum age requirement. "One of the reasons why we do Arts Week is to make it more accessible," she said. "We want the arts to be inclusive. We want people to feel welcomed." Many events are held by organizations like the Medina County Park District and the Medina County District Library in conjunction with Arts Week, Noel said. The festival also puts a focus on Medina County artists. "There is a lot of different talent within Northeast Ohio, but we want to give that opportunity to our local community first," she said. The main event for this year is a community mural project led by Brunswick art teacher Erin Kraly on Medina's square, she said. The piece will focus on diversity, and both kids and adults are welcome to design a piece that will be part of the mural. Participants can also create sidewalk chalk art in front of businesses on Medina's square as part of a contest that is held by All Fired Up! The contest, which requires registration, will take place on Thursday and Friday. To see a detailed list of all upcoming Arts Week events, visit tinyurl.com/5n6bfxhn. "Whether you're a lifelong art lover or just looking for something fun to do with the family, Arts Week has something to offer for everybody," Noel said. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.