Array of activities will help support local artists
Nickel Plate Arts presents Valentine’s Day for All, a set of programs to inspire adults and families to celebrate Valentine’s Day with local art. The arts and culture nonprofit has partnered with Noblesville artists and arts businesses to offer Date Night stations, a family crafting event, and take-home kits full of activities and art projects for couples or families to enjoy together.
“We look forward to Valentine’s Day each year because it’s such a great opportunity to use the arts to inspire those we love,” said Nickel Plate Arts Director Aili McGill. “Creating art together is a wonderful way to get to know someone better, whether you’ve been together for five minutes or 50 years. Our Valentine’s Day programs encourage couples and families of all ages to explore their creative sides together.”
Date nights
On Feb. 11, 12 and 14, Nickel Plate Arts will hold four artist-run activity stations. Each station will include a different artistic activity and the artist will help ensure success for each couple – no artistic skill is required. The stations will include activities such as intuitive painting, collage and even felting.
Sue Payne, one of the Date Night artists, says that she looks forward to Nickel Plate’s Valentine’s Day activities every year because “they’re such a fun and unique way for couples to connect. I am really looking forward to running a station this year and meeting the couples who come in.”
Reservations are recommended. Visit the online store to register.
Family Valentine’s crafts
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, Nickel Plate Arts will offer craft projects for families. These projects will range from custom Valentine’s Day cards to wreaths to painting, or you can follow your own heart and make something else out of the available materials. Crafts range from $5 to $10 each, with an ‘unlimited’ version available. This opportunity will be especially great for families with elementary-aged children, but all families are welcome. No reservations required – just drop in.
Take-out kits
Starting Friday, Feb. 11, Valentine’s Take-Out Kits for adults and for families will be available for pick-up. Family-oriented kits include a craft project of your choice, plus supplies for making a special Valentine’s Day card. Each adult kit supports five or more local artists or businesses and includes materials and instructions for activities ranging from pottery to make-your-own desserts.
Depending on the package selected, adult kits may include arts-infused items and activities such as:
- A do-it-yourself pottery kit from Kiln Creations.
- An art project from Caravan Classes
- A voucher for jewelry from Nickel Plate Arts or NobleMade
- A pavlova dessert kit from 9th Street Bistro
- A special recipe for Valentine’s cocktails or mocktails
Those interested can order their choice of kits and optional add-on activities on the Nickel Plate Arts website. Packages range in price from $20 to $150 and can be picked up at Nickel Plate Arts, 107 S. 8th St., Noblesville, or NobleMade, 839 Conner St., Noblesville, between Feb. 11 and 14, or shipped for an additional fee.
Nickel Plate Arts is also presenting the exhibit “Love, Lust & Poetry,” which features local artists communicating feelings of affection and romance through painting, pottery and poetry. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 26 at the Judge Stone House gallery on the Nickel Plate Arts campus.
Visit nickelplatearts.org to find information on other events and classes offered by Nickel Plate Arts and partners throughout Hamilton County.