BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The ARS Gallery is celebrating its popular “I am the Greatest” project in true Great Lakes fashion — with a beach bash.

The third annual beach bash will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 4, and all proceeds will benefit the “I am the Greatest” project.

Leaders describe the bash as a “wonderful, fun-filled night of live music,” featuring Concussions, a surf/rock band from Grand Rapids. The event will also feature food from local restaurants like Clifford’s Coffee Canal and Charlie’s Piggin’ and Grinnin’. Craft beer and wine will also be served.

In addition to the food and entertainment, guests will be able to watch live painting and then have the opportunity to purchase the works at an auction.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, and can be purchased on the ARS website, at ARS Arts and Culture Center or at Third Coast Surf Shop in St. Joseph.

Together, ARS and Third Coast Surf Shop host a skateboard design workshop before the Beach Bash. The workshop helps sponsor the I am the Greatest workshop, supporting area youth, and celebrating the life and impact of Muhammad Ali on the local community. These workshops are part of the “Kids helping Kids” program.

While it is widely known that Muhammad Ali is from Louisville, Kentucky, the legendary boxer has also maintained a home in the area for more than 30 years and is a seasonal resident. During his time in southwest Michigan, he has supported countless local organizations and causes.

 

About the I am the Greatest project

Located at the ARS Gallery Arts and Culture Center in Benton Harbor, the I am the Greatest sculptures were created by Detroit-based artist John Suave, and the I am the Greatest workshops were designed by ARS. Together, they have installed 16 of Suave’s Muhammad Ali inspired sculptures throughout Benton Hrabor and St. Joseph.

The goals of the project are to bring public art to the Benton Harbor Arts District and St. Joseph, to tell Muhammad Ali’s story and to educated at-risk youth through the arts.

Leaders say the project was designed to introduce the famous boxer to a new generation of youth. The project highlights the overwhelming amount of adversity Ali faced by standing up for his beliefs. By telling his story, project leaders hope to inspire youth to make a difference in their own communities.

Workshops at ARS Arts & Culture Center have been developed to teach local, at-risk youth about community, public art and the impact that one individual can have on a community.

Students create and exhibit their own Ali- inspired sculptures throughout the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph region, and in schools and clubs.

This program has educated hundreds of youth from public and private schools, as well as the Boys and Girls Club since its inception in 2012 through an afterschool program at ARS.