Second Sunday at Art 634

When Matt's friend Suzanne interviewed me for Events in Jackson (a part of community-sourced news site Jacksonopolis) she found out that I had not visited Art 634. Suzanne is a Jackson native, but she has never been to Art 634's monthly open house, Second Sunday, so we agreed to check it out together.

via Art 634

Jackson is known for manufacturing and the prison, but the town has a unique and growing arts and culture community that deserves attention. Art 634 is located in an industrial warehouse. Suzanne and I met at Art 634's coffee shop, Cuppa. The first thing I noticed is was the paper cranes hanging from the ceiling.

via Cuppa

Cuppa's shop owner, Evan, made my cafe au lait himself. Suzanne and I took our drinks to a couch near the back and listened to Jamie Merritt (of Harmony Garden Music Therapy) play soulful renditions of familiar tunes. Cuppa's walls featured April's artist, Sheri Munce, artwork; I loved the whimsical and feminine paintings.

When we finished our coffees Suzanne and I wandered through the building. We admired the shops and talked to various people about arts and culture in Jackson.

Armory Arts Village, an apartment complex and artist community located next to Art 634 in Jackson's old prison. The artists also participated in Second Sunday, so we peeked in on the artist's studios. We saw a handcrafted train that will be featured St. Joseph Public Art Display from May 17 to September 28.

After Art 634 and Armory Arts, Suzanne took me to the new downtown bead shop, Beads to Live By, and introduced me to shop owner Cassandra. Beads to Live By's has a wonderful bead selection, and I cannot wait to take one of the jewelry classes!

via Beads to Live By

Suzanne is a great tour guide! I am excited for our future Jackson tours.