FLINT, Michigan — On a blazing summer afternoon in Flint, families, children, and neighbors gathered beneath the hot sun for a day of creativity and community for the Civic Park Music & Arts Festival. The heat didn’t slow anyone down—instead, the lively scene was filled with laughter, music, the hum of conversation, and vendors lined the park pathways.
The variety of local vendors brought flavor, style, and entrepreneurship to the event. From food vendors to small businesses showcasing handmade jewelry, clothing, and artwork, the vendor row is as much a celebration of Flint’s creativity. Performances included G-S tha DreaM and Mandi Roza with poetry by Kirei and Sola Natiece. Art vendors included Jallen Arts, Mon Mon, and Diamond Eyesys. CAMP FRYE was also in attendance, talking with families and sharing about the week-long summer camp program for Flint kids.
At the center of it all was Art in the Park, a community-rooted initiative led by Jordan Barnett, whose vision for accessible art has sparked one of the city’s most engaging cultural series. Barnett’s Summer Art Series reflects a mission that’s as straightforward as it is profound: make art open to everyone, regardless of age, experience, or ability. Barnett’s philosophy was on full display as young artists dipped brushes to paint Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster.
The program, run by Barnett’s business, ARTxtension, aims to take the intimidation out of the canvas and instead turn public spaces into open studios. No prior experience is required, no registration fees are needed, and the only rule is first-come, first-served. This model has allowed entire families to pick up brushes together, often for the first time, transforming Flint’s green and community spaces where experimentation is the point.
Barnett’s ‘Summer Art Series’ final stop is returning to the Gloria Coles Public Library (1026 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503) on August 22 from 12 to 1 p.m.
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