Library card designs, circus artifacts, the symphony, and more dominate downtown

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Downtown Kokomo survived an artistic explosion on May 2 as First Friday arrived with a full array of activities and displays that ensured an entertaining evening in the City of Firsts. From Buckeye to Union and Mulberry to Sycamore, vendors filled sidewalks while the Kokomo Art Association and the Kokomo Howard County Public Library entertained with bright colors, warm nostalgia, and hypnotizing music.

The library held a trio of artistic events. In the children’s department, kids got the chance to create their own masterpieces by filling in colorful frames with their wall-worthy works. Upstairs in the Digital Den, 3D printing and Cricut projects took center stage. But the lower level held a particularly significant display.

The newest library card designs were unveiled during a reception for the contributing artists. The new designs are available to the public, chosen from a bevy of applicants. One design was chosen from each of three different age categories: children, teens, and adults.

Henley Martin’s “Love to Read” design was chosen from the children’s category. It features a smiling book surrounded by hearts. Chloe Woods won the competition in the teen category with her imaginative creation, “Dream Space.” In it, an astronaut crosses the pages of a book, imploring viewers to “Explore Your Opportunities.”

The adult design winner was Morgan Collins, who presented “Opportunities” in a work that seemingly was plucked straight from the eclectic artist’s soul. Collins, who was in attendance, was almost indistinguishable from her works – a clear extension of her personality, given form.

All three artists were given space to display additional works, which remain accessible for viewing on the library’s lower level.

Moving west to the Artworks Gallery at 210 N. Main St., First Friday visitors got a double shot of artistic expression. A string quartet from the Kokomo Symphonic Orchestra, led by conductor Jose Valencia, entertained with an enchanting selection of music taken from their upcoming Diamond Jubilee concert on May 17-18.

They were followed by singers from Kokomo Civic Theatre who also will take part in the concert. The Diamond Jubilee Concert takes place at Havens Auditorium on the Indiana University Kokomo campus, 2300 S. Washington St., on Sat., May 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., May 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets are still available by visiting https://kokomocivictheatre.csstix.com.

The gala wasn’t limited to the ground floor, however. In fact, it appeared that the second floor of Artworks was an absolute circus. This wasn’t a simply serendipitous occurrence. The art association is maintaining a special circus exhibit with the assistance of the Peru International Circus Hall of Fame. Beautiful artifacts from the extensive history of the circus are on display

At the same time, there is a silent auction of unique circus memorabilia taking place now, with the various pieces on display for consideration. There is also a children’s coloring contest underway with a circus theme. Children ages 4-12 still have the opportunity to stop by Artworks and pick up an official coloring page, which must be returned for competition by May 30.

The winner of the contest will be named on June 6 during First Friday, with four passes to the International Circus Hall of Fame Museum in Peru as their reward. Other participants will be recognized by having their coloring work displayed at the gallery in June. Artworks is open M-F from noon until 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Visit www.kaaonline.org or the art association’s Facebook page for additional information.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a First Friday without the street festival. Booths with information, health services, delicious treats, impressive artwork, and a few fun performances were sprinkled around the courthouse square.

As robust as this month’s First Friday was, it only serves as an appetizer for what takes place in June. The annual Strawberry Festival returns to downtown on Fri., June 6. Running from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., the shortcakes will be in abundance, along with loads of entertainment and activities.

Advance tickets are available now, along with every bit of information one might want, by visiting https://greaterkokomo.com/strawberryfestival/.

See additional photos from First Friday by visiting the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.