May 4, 2010

Art Center Too opens downtownBy Barrett NewkirkBattleCreekEnquirer.com

Retailers in downtown Battle Creek have some artsy competition starting this week.

The Art Center of Battle Creek offered selected guests a sneak preview of its relocated gift shop at 80 W. Michigan Ave. Sunday afternoon. The shop officially opens today.

Summer construction along Emmett Street prompted the Art Center to find a temporary site for the shop. Officials also hope the downtown location will increase exposure and sales.

“A lot of people don’t know we have a gift shop,” said Art Center Executive Director Linda Holderbaum.

The shop, called Art Center Too, will be open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends during special events over the course of the next five months.

The space gives the Art Center extra room to display the handmade items of more than 170 Michigan artists, including jewelry, metal and glass pieces, ceramics and paintings. The space will also hold art exhibits that change about every three weeks.

Read complete article.