A dreary morning with impending rain wasn’t enough to squash the artistic spirit in Kennedy Plaza. Arts In The Plaza held its opening day on May 23 and, despite the disagreeable weather, artisans showed up to display and offer their handmade wares.
“It’s great because it’s an opportunity for shoppers to have this live interaction with an artist, which is very special,” explained Arts In The Plaza Director Sammi Metzger. “And to make a human connection. Not only that you’re buying it from an actual person, but you’re meeting the person that made it. That’s part of the beauty and the love that’s happening here.”
The event, which began in 2010, will take place at Kennedy Plaza every Saturday, from Memorial Day until October 24. More than 30 artists typically set up shop, offering a variety of handmade art, jewelry, clothing, pottery and more. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week, concurrently with the farmers market, making the shared space a weekend adventure full of fresh food and inspiring artwork.
Island Park resident Elliot Marcucci explained how he got involved with the Long Beach art scene. “I fell in love with Long Beach through beach volleyball,” Marcucci said. “I was coming here every weekend. I was here all the time, made a lot of friends here, fell in love with the city.” The graphic designer initially created a shirt just for himself. After receiving feedback, he decided to start a small business designing shirts and hats to represent the city. “I started making more designs and that’s how this became a thing,” he explained. “Just because I wanted to make some cool Long Beach stuff for myself.”
Local resident Abbey Carpenter had an optimistic start to her first Arts In The Plaza presentation. “I’m doing a series of postcards for businesses in Long Beach,” Carpenter said. “I try to do places that I know or small businesses that people in town really like. It’s good, it’s more busy than I thought. It’s been going better than expected.”
