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Beth Fhaner

About Beth Fhaner

https://tibbits.org/

Posts by Beth Fhaner:

Tibbits Opera House Reveals 2026 Popcorn Theatre Season Lineup

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Explore a world of enchantment and wonder with Tibbits’ lineup of captivating performances, perfect for the whole family.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Popcorn Theatre returns for its 39th season with family-friendly shows to fill Friday and Saturday mornings from June 12 through August 8, including three plays brought to life by Tibbits’ professional Summer Theatre company members and “Cirque Amongus,” an immersive experience in circus arts!

Popcorn Theatre kicks off with “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ ” June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. Get ready for a musical experience, direct from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books, that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! In “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!,’ ” an elephant named Gerald and a pig named Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure that is perfect for young audiences.

On July 10 and 11, “Cirque Amongus” offers an immersive circus experience with hands-on programs designed to build self-esteem, develop motor skills and promote teamwork. Kids are introduced to the fundamentals of circus arts—juggling, movement and balancing—in a safe, fun-filled and educational environment. Then, on July 17, 18, 24 and 25, Popcorn Theatre presents “Balloonacy.” Everything changes for a solitary old man when a red balloon drifts through his window, bringing some serious silliness with it. Without a single spoken word, this sweet, inventive and uplifting show—along with touching reminders of the ups and downs of building a friendship—is a tender and laugh-filled delight for children of all ages!

As the summer winds down, Popcorn Theatre will close with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on July 31, and August 1, 7 and 8. After leaving wartime London to stay in the English countryside, the four Pevensie siblings discover an old wardrobe that leads to the fantasy world of Narnia. Currently under the wintry spell of the evil White Witch, the people of Narnia have almost given up hope for the return of the great lion, Aslan, their true leader. A fierce battle takes place to see whether or not this magical country will, once again, know freedom and summer under good King Aslan. A charming play about faith, courage and the love of freedom.

Tickets for these Popcorn shows are priced $10 each, and include complimentary popcorn and juice, donated by Dr. Ed Lake and McDonald’s: The Maynard Organization. Children ages 2 and under are free but must have a comp ticket reserved by calling the Tibbits box office at 517.278.6029. Discounts for groups and families of five or more are also available by calling the box office. Families are encouraged to secure their tickets early for these popular shows. They can be purchased at Tibbits.org, by calling Tibbits Opera House, or visiting the administration office located at 93 West Chicago St.

Tibbits extends its heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who make these performances possible: Dr. Jon and Seibra Herbener, Highstreet, Vested Rick Strategies, and Matthew C. Christopher, DDS, PC. Additional support provided by The Philip & Sarah Rosenberg Family Trust. Their generous support played a crucial role in bringing these vibrant cultural experiences to the community.

 

Frederick Family Dental to Sponsor “Rock of Ages” at Tibbits Opera House

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Frederick Family Dental of Coldwater is generously sponsoring Tibbits Summer Theatre’s production of “Rock of Ages,” running July 10-11, and July 15-18 at Tibbits Opera House.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to Frederick Family Dental of Coldwater for its sponsorship of “Rock of Ages” as a part of this year’s Summer Theatre series, as well as its sponsorship support of the theatre for the past several years.

Frederick Family Dental began sponsoring Summer Theatre shows in 2019, and has also sponsored the Theatre Workshop for the past five years. Past support has also included Tibbits Annual Auction and the golf tournament.

Frederick Family Dental provides quality dentistry for the whole family in a comfortable, friendly environment. The staff prides itself on treating patients like family, providing the best possible treatment options. They offer preventative dental care, cosmetic dentistry, same-day crowns, fillings, dentures, and even dental emergencies. Locally owned and operated, they take the time to keep their patients informed, assist with insurance and billing and provide a comfortable supportive atmosphere.

Dr. Evan Frederick and his wife Dr. Kate Frederick are Coldwater natives, and Evan enjoys being able to serve the community he calls home. Now entering their eighth year as a Tibbits sponsor, Dr. Frederick and his staff are excited to give to such a cultural cornerstone of the Coldwater community.

“I took part in shows at Tibbits in my formative years, and have volunteered there for high school productions as well. I am so thankful that we are able to give back to a theatre that has given so much to me personally and the community at large,” said Dr. Frederick.

Get ready for “Nothing But a Good Time” as you relive the greatest rocking, rolling hits of the ’80s with “Rock of Ages!” This electrifying Tony-nominated musical takes you straight to L.A.’s Sunset Strip, where dreams are big, love is loud and the music never stops. Follow the story of Drew and Sherrie as they find themselves on the Strip, chasing fame, falling in love and fighting to save The Bourbon Room! Heart, humor and guitar solos galore—live on stage at Tibbits! “Rock of Ages” runs July 10-11, and July 15-18. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org, or by calling 517.278.6029. All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.

Learn more about Frederick Family Dental by visiting FrederickFamilyDentalMI.com.

Tibbits Opera House to Open Visions of Spring Gallery Show on March 31

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Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their creations by March 30 for our “Visions of Spring” gallery show. For more information, visit Tibbits.org.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretation of the upcoming themed gallery show, “Visions of Spring.” As with previous installments of the Arts Alive gallery shows, it is up to the artist to interpret exactly what the phrase means to them.

“While each of our shows does have a theme, Arts Alive does not want any artist to feel bound down to it. If you are not inspired by the theme, we encourage you to still submit your art,” said Arts Alive member Matt Biolchini.

Participants may submit up to three pieces for consideration, with a submission fee of $5 per entry. All submissions must be ready to hang using hanging wire. Artists will have the opportunity to sell their work on commission and compete for prizes based on audience votes.

Artists are asked to drop off their submissions at Tibbits’ Administration Office at 93 W. Chicago St. before 5pm on March 30, 2026. The exhibit will be displayed at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St. from March 31 to May 18, in the lower level art gallery.

Visitors can view this and subsequent Arts Alive exhibits during Tibbits events and by appointment, with no admission charge for the gallery. Visitors are also encouraged to vote for their favorite artworks.

Arts Alive at Tibbits Opera House showcases a variety of themed gallery shows throughout the year, highlighting local and regional artists. Upcoming exhibits include “Drip, Dribble, Splash” and “Goosebumps,” along with the annual “Kids’ Art Rocks!” student art contest. The shows rotate approximately every six to eight weeks.

For more information on how to participate in the “Visions of Spring” exhibit or to learn about upcoming Arts Alive events, call 517-278-6029, or go to the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago Street.

Parrish Excavating Sponsors “Dear Evan Hansen” at Tibbits Opera House

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Parrish Excavating is generously sponsoring Tibbits Summer Theatre’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen,” running June 19-20, and June 24-27 at Tibbits Opera House.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House wishes to thank the team at Parrish Excavating for its sponsorship of “Dear Evan Hansen” in this year’s Summer Theatre series, as well as its sponsorship support of the theatre since 2017, and its overall support which goes on much longer still.

Parrish Excavating has been a mainstay in the community since its founding in Quincy, Michigan, in 1972. Over the next 50-plus years, the company has kept busy fixing roads, adding to the water lines and sewer mains, building septic systems, rehabilitating driveways, building new lawns and fixing old ones, building new apartment complexes and subdivisions, developing land for new manufacturing and commercial entities, and so much more.

“We think supporting Tibbits is a privilege,” said owner Brad Parrish. “To be supported by the community we live in and then to be given the chance to support it in return, is a double blessing. Congratulations to Tibbits for pushing forward into another year of theater, and praise God we have that theater in our community.”

Evan Hansen is 17 and is just trying to find his place in the world. He’s shy, he’s struggling and he’s nursing a broken arm. But when a misunderstanding following a classmate’s tragic death mistakenly casts Evan in a new light, he’s given a chance to connect to new friends, new family, and most importantly, himself. As his story unfolds, Evan learns that even in the darkest moments, there’s a way forward, and that “You Will Be Found.” Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a deeply moving celebration of hope, healing and the power of community.

“Dear Evan Hansen” runs June 19-20, and June 24-27. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org, or by calling 517.278.6029. All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater. “Dear Evan Hansen” is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

Parrish Excavating is located at 65 Cole St., Quincy, MI, and can be reached by phone at 517-639-4656. For more information, visit Parrish-Excavating.com.

Tibbits Opera House to Screen “A Minecraft Movie” as Part of Tibbits Film Series

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Tibbits Film Series presents a special showing of “A Minecraft Movie” on Saturday, March 28, at 2 pm. More than just a movie, the historic venue is also welcoming moviegoers to attend a pizza party at 1 pm. There’s a $5 cost for pizza at the door, and tickets for the movie are by donation. More details are available at Tibbits.org.

COLDWATER – Take a break from your usual weekend routine and come enjoy a film that’s all about celebrating creativity! Tibbits Opera House is hosting a screening of “A Minecraft Movie,” starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, on Saturday, March 28 at 2 pm at the historic venue, with a pizza party starting at 1 pm.

“A Minecraft Movie” is an entertaining, fantasy adventure film based on the 2011 video game Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. The movie follows the adventures of four misfits—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn—from the fictional town of Chuglass, Idaho, who are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, a bizarre cubic world that thrives on imagination. In order to return home, they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a magical quest with the help of an unexpected expert “crafter” named Steve. Their adventure will challenge the group to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative, which is essential to their survival back in the real world.

Enjoy more than just a movie! Tibbits welcomes moviegoers to be there early for a special pizza party starting at 1 pm. Entry for the pizza party will be $5 at the door, and a cash bar will be available. “A Minecraft Movie” is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor, and some scary images.

Tickets for the film are available by donation. The film begins at 2 pm, with the pizza party kicking off at 1 pm. Tickets for the film can be reserved at Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029, or by visiting the Tibbits administration office at 93 West Chicago St., Coldwater.

This event is generously sponsored by Matthew C. Christopher, DDS, PC, of Coldwater and Union City.

Coldwater Board of Public Utilities to Sponsor “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at Tibbits Opera House

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COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House wishes to extend its appreciation to the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities for its sponsorship of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” as a part of this year’s Summer Theatre series, as well as its sponsorship support of the theatre for the past decade.

For 135 years, the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) has been more than a utility provider—they’ve been a constant presence in the life of the community. Established in the late 1800s, CBPU has grown alongside Coldwater, delivering essential services from the city’s earliest days of electric power to today’s modern infrastructure, including electric, water and wastewater, digital phone service and GIG Fiber Internet.

Working to strengthen the fabric of the City, CBPU proudly supports local organizations and initiatives, including serving as a sponsor of Tibbits Summer Theatre since 2015.

“CBPU’s long-standing commitment mirrors another Coldwater treasure with roots in the 1800s: Tibbits Opera House. Like CBPU, Tibbits has endured for generations, enhancing quality of life and bringing people together through shared experiences. We’re proud to support this community gem as a sponsor,” said CBPU Utility Director Paul Jakubczak, PE.

The Marvelous Wonderettes entertain their classmates at their Senior Prom in 1958 with the biggest hits of the day. But over the course of the evening, they also compete with one another to be crowned Prom Queen—a night none of them will ever forget. Ten years later, the girls reunite for their class reunion where they’ll be performing again, but they’ve changed. A nostalgic look back at the music of the ‘50s and ’60s, with songs like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Mr. Sandman” and many more! “The Marvelous Wonderettes” runs June 5-6, and June 10-13. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org, or by calling 517.278.6029. All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater, Michigan.

From the first flicker of electricity to today’s modern infrastructure, CBPU has been there through it all—powering Coldwater’s past, present and future. Discover more about CBPU by visiting www.coldwater.org or calling (517) 279-9531.

The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities is generously sponsoring Tibbits Summer Theatre’s production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” running June 5-6 and June 10-13, at Tibbits Opera House. Last summer, audiences enjoyed the professional performance of “Million Dollar Quartet” thanks to CBPU’s sponsorship. (Photo by Laura Pentecost)

HaasCaywood PC to Sponsor Comedy Fest 2026 at Tibbits Opera House

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HaasCaywood PC is generously sponsoring Comedy Fest 2026 at Tibbits Opera House on Saturday, March 21 at 7pm.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House wishes to thank the team at HaasCaywood PC for its sponsorship of Comedy Fest 2026, as well as its past sponsorship support.

HaasCaywood PC has provided experienced legal counsel and representation to Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana for over 125 years. Serving both businesses and individuals, HaasCaywood covers a wide range of practice areas, from family law to trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property.

“Tibbits is one of the cherished historical landmarks of Coldwater and Branch County,” said Michael Caywood. “Tibbits is a true treasure—not just for its architectural splendor, but for the greater purpose of exposing multiple generations to the arts in an intimate and historical venue. HaasCaywood is proud to support Tibbits as the arts and cultural hub for Coldwater and our surrounding communities.”

Comedy Fest 2026 will be held at the historic Tibbits Opera House on Saturday, March 21 at 7pm and will showcase headliner Joe Zimmerman, featured comedian Michael McDaniel and emcee Andrew Yang. Joe Zimmerman grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and started his comedy career in North Carolina after graduating from Davidson College. He moved to New York City in 2012, quickly appearing on The Late Late Show and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show as well as Montreal’s prestigious Just for Laughs festival as a “New Face.” His resume has since grown to include The Tonight Show, Conan, Nickelodeon, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour. He is a regular at New York’s iconic Comedy Cellar, and his stand-up was featured on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar in 2019. Joe’s first album “Smiling at Wolves” reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts and is played regularly on SiriusXM, and his second, “Innocence,” came out in 2018 with Comedy Central records. His debut one-hour comedy special, “Cult Classic” was directed by Nate Bargatze and came out on Hulu in 2023.

Featured comedian Michael McDaniel is a high-energy comedian and impressionist who has performed for thousands! From clubs, to churches and corporate events, Michael’s PG content hits home. He has shared the stage with names such as Dave Coulier, Lewis Black, Mike Epps, David Allen Grier, Donnell Rawlings of the Chapelle show, and the late Geechy Guy, just to name a few. Michael has been featured in well over 100 commercial and film projects. You may have also heard his voice on several national commercials, as well as the animated series “The Dr. Will Show,” where he parodies Will Smith and other celebrities as features on the series.

The emcee for the evening will be Andrew Yang, a comedian from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Voted “Best Comedian in Washtenaw County” in 2022 by Current Magazine, Andrew runs shows at a punk rock venue in the Blind Pig and is a producer of the Tree Town Comedy Festival. Onstage, Andrew charms audiences with his energetic personality and engrossing stories mostly at his own expense. He has been fortunate enough to work with a few of his comedy heroes including Beth Stelling, Jackie Kashian, and Joe Mande and one time had lunch with Maria Bamford. Andrew has performed at the Motor City Comedy Festival, Traverse City Comedy Festival and clubs all over the Midwest.

Considered clean comedy, Comedy Fest is still intended for adult audiences, and should be considered PG-13. Single tickets for the event range from $20 to $35, including fees. Doors will open at 6pm, with seating beginning at 6:30pm.

For tickets to Comedy Fest, and information on other events at Tibbits, visit Tibbits.org, stop at the Tibbits Administrative Office at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029.

Tibbits Young Audiences to Present Spring Show, “Hairy Tale Rock”

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COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences, comprised of local students in fourth through eighth grades, presents the spring production of “Hairy Tale Rock.” Performances will be held on March 13-14, 2026 at 7 pm and March 15, 2026 at 2 pm at Tibbits Opera House, at 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.

In “Hairy Tale Rock,” audiences encounter a variety of characters that put a hilarious twist on well-known fairy tales. These include a poor peasant family, a bratty prince and princess in exile, a long-haired brother and sister stuck in a tower, and a whole lot more. The proceedings are overseen by a Fairy Tale Committee helmed by a Big Bad Wolf and a bumbling Fairy Godmother, and the result is a show that will leave you laughing, as everyone gets an opportunity to learn the meaning of true love and sacrifice before the curtain falls.

“Hairy Tale Rock” is directed by Julia Littley with musical direction by Jayne Lillis and produced by Tirsha Odisher. This production is generously sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Coldwater.

The “Hairy Tale Rock” cast features Bethannie Niedzwiecki as Narrator One, Maddy Findley-Kyser as Narrator Two, Libbie Mello as Ernestine, Margaret Ferry as Ida, Ben Case as Elton, David Allen as Burt, Warren Duff as Lou the UPS Guy, Eliza Koyl as Witch, Gemma Leson as the Evil Queen, Marlee Clemens as Fairy Godmother, Bernadette Smith as Big Bad Wolf, Claire Smith as Luisa, Paul Guthrie as Antonio, Mylah Rust as Paprika, Sydney Lawrence as Rapunzel, Elliott Wright as Bill, Tia Obare as Gloria, Lincoln Earles as Andrew, Jack Steele as King Edwin, Brooklyn Elkins as Queen Edwina, Micah Closson as Prince Rupert, and Aston Zuzga as Princess Iphigenia.

The Jester Chorus, Country Chorus, and Bobbie Sox Chorus features Shelby Allen, Lilly Durnford, Addison Gates, Evie Littley, Leigha Moyer, Mila Obare, Charlotte Simonds, Percy Smith, Quinn Thornton, and Jasper Towers.

The Latin Chorus and Calypso Chorus features Riley Dils, Alyvia Govier, Lilah LaFountain, Linc LaFountain, Nikaylin Prusakiewicz, Ava Toth, Natalynn Townsend, Zavior Tracy, and Riley Vandenhout.

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to cultivate their interest in the arts. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. Through participation in these shows, they gain valuable insight into teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self-confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

For more information, call 517-278-6029, or visit Tibbits.org. Performances will be held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, March 13-14 at 7 pm and March 15 at 2 pm.

Tibbits Young Audiences will perform its spring production of “Hairy Tale Rock” on March 13-14 at 7 pm and March 15 at 2 pm. Pictured is the cast of “Hairy Tale Rock.” (Photo by Sherry Fagen)

 

Tibbits Seeking Volunteers for 47th Annual Auction, Planning Meeting Set for March 12

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Guests enjoyed a catered Gala dinner as part of Tibbits 46th Annual Auction, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The event raised over $80,000 for the historic theatre.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House is currently seeking volunteers to help plan and coordinate their 47th Annual Auction, which will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

This past November, the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” themed Annual Action at Tibbits Opera House was a smashing success, and Tibbits is looking to keep the momentum going in 2026! The 46th Annual Auction took on a new format with new events, and Tibbits presented two special events the night of the auction. A Gala Dinner experience with a cocktail reception and catered dinner on stage kicked off the evening, followed by the main event that featured a “Dueling Pianos” concert and Live Auction. Additional items, baskets, experiences and services were available for silent bidding in the art gallery. Overall, it was a wonderful night of glitz and glamour that raised over $80,000 for the historic theatre.

For volunteers who are interested in getting involved with Tibbits 47th Annual Auction, an Auction Planning Meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 4 pm at Tibbits Administrative Office at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, Michigan.

For more information about Tibbits Opera House and opportunities to volunteer, visit Tibbits.org, email volunteer@tibbits.org, or call 517-278-6029 during business hours.

Tibbits Opera House Accepting Artist Submissions for Kids’ Art Rocks Gallery Show

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Arts Alive invites artists from Pre-K through grade 12 to submit their creations to Kids’ Art Rocks. For more information, visit Tibbits.org.

COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council invites young artists involved in any Pre-K through grade 12 curriculum to submit their art for the upcoming Kids’ Art Rocks gallery exhibit.

Kids’ Art Rocks is a program of Tibbits and Arts Alive, which celebrates student art. Submitted artwork from students in or outside of Branch County, including homeschool submissions, is displayed in the lower level art gallery at the historic Tibbits Opera House.

A judging panel will evaluate submissions, with the top pieces matted and framed with student bios, to then be leased to area businesses for a year. All pieces hanging in the exhibit are also eligible for prizes based on votes by attendees. The exhibit will be displayed at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St, Coldwater, from May 19 through July 6. There will also be a dessert reception for all artists and their families, as well as the general public, on July 7 from 6 pm to 7 pm. Students attending the reception are also entered in a drawing for art supplies.

Artists are asked to drop off their submissions at Tibbits’ Administration Office at 93 W. Chicago St before 5 pm on April 13, 2026. One submission is allowed per person, and must be the student’s own creation. Due to these pieces potentially being leased to local businesses, art must be appropriate to hang in businesses. Art must be submitted unframed to Tibbits, and must be a minimum size of eight by ten inches. Mediums can include pencil drawings, watercolor, pastels, paintings, ink and collages. Artists may feel free to call the Tibbits Office at 517-278-6029 if they have other ideas for submissions, or any other questions.

Visitors can view this and all Arts Alive exhibits during Tibbits events and by appointment, with no admission charge for the gallery. Visitors are also encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork.

Arts Alive at Tibbits Opera House showcases a variety of themed gallery shows throughout the year, highlighting local and regional artists. The current exhibit is “Free for All,” with upcoming exhibits including “Visions of Spring,” “Drip, Dribble, Splash,” and “Goosebumps.” The shows rotate approximately every six to eight weeks.

For more information on how to participate in the Kids’ Art Rocks exhibit or to learn about upcoming Arts Alive events, call 517-278-6029, or go to the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago.

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