News Makers, presented by the Tippecanoe Gazette

 

The Tipp City Area Arts Council (TCAAC) is gearing up for a packed summer and fall, with a full calendar of events designed to celebrate local creativity, support artists of all ages, and bring the community together. In a recent episode of the News Maker's podcast, the official podcast of the Tippecanoe Gazette, TCAAC President Marilee Lake and Administrator Lynn Shirk-Terrell joined host Greg Enslen to share details about upcoming festivals, art shows, camps, and more.

TCAAC kicked off 2025 with successful events including the annual Art Affair and Fine Art Exhibition, which drew more than 175 entries and robust attendance. “Our judge couldn’t tell the difference between amateur and professional work this year,” Lake noted, underscoring the depth of local talent. The Art Affair, held each spring, features a vendor-style format with fine arts and crafts, while the Fine Art Exhibition showcases juried works from across the region.

Looking ahead, the council will reprise its popular A Holiday Affair in November, offering another opportunity for the community to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and artwork.

The centerpiece of TCAAC’s summer is the Canal Music Fest, slated for June 14 at Tipp’s City Park, just past the aquatic center. This free, family-friendly festival has grown from a modest gathering to an event that now attracts up to 4,000 attendees, depending on the weather and headlining acts. This year’s main act is Barracuda, a Nashville-based Heart tribute band, with local favorite Stranger opening with 1980s hits.

Gates open at 5 p.m., and while admission is free, donations are encouraged to help offset rising production costs, which have increased significantly this year. Food trucks, adult beverages, face painting, and children’s activities will be on site, making it a true festival atmosphere. “Our goal is to break even, but the focus is on bringing people together for a great night of music and fun,” said Shirk-Terrell.

The event is made possible thanks to the support of presenting sponsors Edison State Community College, Matt Buehrer - Thrivent, and the Duke Foundation, along with a host of local businesses.

TCAAC’s commitment to youth engagement continues with the Wild and Whimsy Art Camp, running June 23–26. Led by art educator and architect Prathysaksha Krishna Prasad, the camp offers hands-on projects, artist talks, and collaborative activities for 25–30 children each year. The camp culminates in a student exhibition for parents and the community.

The council also supports young artists with annual scholarships for students pursuing art-related careers and hosts a children’s plein air painting event during the fall’s outdoor art festival.

In addition to its signature events, TCAAC is participating in community celebrations such as the Tipp City Public Library’s summer reading kickoff, Monroe Federal’s birthday block party, and National Night Out. The council also organizes fundraisers like the Quarter Auction (August 26), which supports scholarships and children’s programming, and the Artist pop-ups on First Fridays in August and September.

A long-awaited public art project-a large metal tree sculpture by artist Marie Mack-will soon be installed at Canal Lock Park, with an unveiling planned for late summer or early fall.

TCAAC welcomes volunteers, sponsors, and new board members. Those interested can reach out via email (tippcityartscouncil@gmail.com), phone (937-543-5115), or through the council’s website and Facebook pages. For a full list of upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, visit tippcityartscouncil.com. 

 

The News Makers podcast is a presentation of the Tippecanoe Gazette. For more information or to subscribe to the newspaper, visit www.tippgazette.com. Talk soon!