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Studio 1219 Hosts Renaissance Roam 2008
 

Have you ever dreamed of wandering the shores of the great port cities of the world? Here's your opportunity to become a "world traveler" close to home. One of the most popular social events in the area returns this year when Studio 1219 hosts Renaissance: Roam the Globe on May 17, 2008, from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m. A major fund-raiser for the Studio, this year's event will offer participants the opportunity to view and purchase juried art at various architecturally reclaimed sites each representing a different "Port of Call." These "destinations" will also offer food, music and beverages that reflect the flavor of that particular "port." An added dimension this year will be stops at The Bramble and the Highlander Sea . The Bramble is a retired Coast Guard Cutter decommissioned in 2003, after a colorful history on the Great Lakes. The Highlander Sea, a 154-foot gaff-rigged topsail schooner, was built in 1924 and now serves as Port Huron 's flagship and goodwill ambassador.

Patron and participants can purchase a "passport" for only ten dollars at any of the sites. Passports will be stamped at each "port" visited Those with fully stamped passports are eligible for a drawing at the end of the evening. The Studio will be opened until 10:30 p.m. and will feature John Henry in the solo gallery. John is one of the best-selling artists at the Studio and is well-known for his versatility and the wide variety of his art offerings. The Studio will also represent a "port" and will also offer food, music and beverages. Again this year, the trolleys will help make transportation between sites easy and fun. Wristbands will be issued to those over the age of 21.

Live local music will be featured and will carry outside to the streets in front of each site where you will find fellow "Roamers" enjoying the evening. Past participant, Paul Wessel, enthusiastically endorsed his experience by sharing that he had waited for something like this to happen in this area for a long time. "I'll definitely come back next year," said Wessel. Another comment overheard at last year's Roam was, "We don't have anything like THIS in Royal Oak !"

In fact, the concept which allows local artists, musicians, and chefs an opportunity to showcase their talent, is unique in Michigan . "What we are trying to promote is the idea that supporting arts and culture is good for the community as a whole because it keeps money circulating in our area" says Tara Russel, Program Director of Studio 1219. "Where else can you buy one-of-a-kind gifts made locally and enjoy a stimulating evening of fun for only ten dollars?"

Studio 1219 is the largest public art gallery in Michigan 's Thumb Region. It has 8,000 square feet of gallery, classroom, retail, and workshop space and is the hub of Arts-related activities in the Blue Water Area. Located in downtown Port Huron , the Studio is close to restaurants, parks, and tourist attractions along the St.Clair River .
 

Studio 1219: An Inspiring Place to Discover