Downtown West Point will be all about art Saturday, May 17. Fifty fine artists and craftspeople are slated to display and sell their work during the second annual Downtown Art Walk from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The success of last spring’s inaugural Art Walk has organizers with the West Point/Clay County Arts Council and West Point Main Street Association anticipating an even bigger response this time around.
The event focuses on the fine arts, such as painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking. Handmade and original craftworks are included, too. Hand-built or thrown pottery, jewelry, fused glass, metalwork and fiber arts will also be shown.
Local businesses host the artists, opening their doors as original artworks become displays inside and outside. Art Walk chairperson Vickie Burris is delighted with the response from artists and business owners.
“The enthusiasm with which everyone I have spoken with about this event is just overwhelming,” she said. “The artists can’t wait to set up and share their art … and the business owners embraced the idea from the beginning.”
A true art walk, organizers say, is all about the ambiance, quality art, expanding horizons and interaction with artists to become more informed and enlightened. Artists, of course, are pleased when a piece of their work is purchased and finds a new home with those who appreciate their efforts.
More to do
The day will be filled with activities downtown, including music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, the Main Street Association joins the Arts Council in promoting Downtown West Point by displaying project plans for facades, sidewalks and streetscapes. Some storefronts have already been painted, planters filled with spring blooms, and new street signs have been installed.
An Amazing Art Chair Silent Auction will be take place in the Sunny Side building at 223 Main St. Local artists have painted and embellished chairs to be sold to benefit future beautification projects and a mural downtown.
Many will want to take advantage of the special lunch menu created for the Art Walk at downtown eateries including the Ritz Cafe, Soprano’s, Twisted Burger Co., Dot’s BBQ and Main Street Market.
For more information, call 662-494-5678.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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