After several years of 352 Creates, the program is changing its layout Friday.
As part of a 10-year initiative, Gainesville hosts an annual day of art throughout the city. But this year’s celebration will also feature a centralized event.
Lot 10, a venue situated at 100 SW First Ave., will host free music, poetry, sing-alongs, drum circles and hands-on art activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to a press release.
Russell Etling, cultural affairs manager for the Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, said about 500 people are expected to attend.
The UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine program partnered with PRCA to host the event, which still includes events throughout town.
“We wanted to have a central event where we could get a lot of people doing creative things at once,” said Etling.
Research from UF Health found that creativity is good for the health of both Gainesville and its residents, he said.
Participants are encouraged to post their creations on social media using the hashtag #352Creates, according to the UF College of the Arts website.
Jill Sonke, the director of UF’s Center for the Arts in Medicine, said she is excited to watch people express their artistic freedom.
“We believe strongly that creativity and arts is a part of a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “We want to have a healthy, thriving community.”
