The City of Meridian will celebrate its 7th annual Meridian Art Week from September 16 - 23, 2023. The week will feature a variety of activities that focus on the integral role art plays in creating vibrancy throughout the city. Art creates a sense of place, beautifies public areas, encourages community expression and dialog, and enhances the quality of life for Meridian residents and visitors.
 
Meridian Art Week will engage citizens in art and culture through an array of free or low-cost activities.

A full list of activities and schedule of events for Meridian Art Week can be found at meridiancity.org/artweek.
 
Some of Meridian Art Week’s highlighted activities include: 
Community Art Party
Generations Plaza, Downtown Meridian
Saturday, September 16, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Come engage in the arts! This all-ages event will feature a variety of hands-on art activities, live music, special displays, the Chalk Art Competition, and Buskerfest – a talent competition featuring a variety of street performers from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Winners of the Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Commission’s Reclaimed Art Contest will also be on display at this event. Chalk Art and Buskerfest winners will be announced at 7:45 pm.
 
Meridian Art Drop
Downtown Meridian
September 16 - 23
The Meridian Art Drop is a peer-to-peer art exchange throughout Meridian Art Week. To participate, create a small piece of art, label your creation with the printable Meridian Art Drop form, and share by hiding your art in downtown Meridian for someone else to find and keep. You can find further instructions and the printable form at www.meridiancity.org/artweek.
 
Initial Point Gallery Art Exhibit, Opening Reception, and Panel Discussion
Initial Point Gallery in Meridian City Hall
Opening Reception: Tuesday, September 19, 4:30 – 7:00 pm
Panel Discussion: Wednesday, September 20, 12 – 1:00 pm
Initial Point Gallery will feature an artist reception for the new art exhibit on display from September 1 - 29, “People and Places” featuring the works of five local artists. It will also host a panel discussion about “How to Create a Stellar Application” geared towards artists that want to make their applications or portfolios stand out. The gallery is located on the third floor of Meridian City Hall. Admission to the gallery and reception is free; all are welcome.
 
Concert on Broadway featuring the Summer Groove Party Band
Meridian City Hall Outdoor Plaza, 33 E. Broadway Avenue
Saturday, September 23
6:30 pm Opening Act / 7:00 pm Concert
The Summer Groove Party Band, formerly known as High Street, will perform popular hits from across the decades. Beer, wine, food truck fare and sweets will be available for purchase or attendees may bring their own food and beverages. Please consider bringing folding chairs or a lawn blanket as amphitheater seating is limited.
 
Additional Meridian Art Week Activities
During Meridian Art Week, people may register to participate in a guided Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Meridian; the workshops How to Be an Artrepreneur and Trail Map to Starting Your Book; an interactive Mission IMPROVable! improv class; and an outdoor plein air painting class. Artists are also encouraged to attend a free panel discussion call How to Create a Stellar Application. Details and registration instructions for these activities can be found at meridiancity.org/activityguide.
 
“Integrating art more fully into our lives enriches each of us and fosters community. Art and artists aren't only in art galleries or concert halls -- they are all around us,” says Meridian Arts and Culture Coordinator Cassandra Schiffler. “Meridian Art Week is designed to increase awareness of our community’s many opportunities to engage in the arts. Whether you create art or simply appreciate it, you have a role to play in Meridian Art Week.”