Columbus’ annual Art Walk Downtown, set for Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., has again earned recognition as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. The sixth annual Art Walk is a partnership of Main Street Columbus and the Columbus Arts Council, designed to showcase some of the diversity and quality of original art available in the community.
The event began with local artists paired with downtown business owners; artwork was displayed inside stores. In the years since, it has grown to also feature artists and local musicians lining the sidewalks, as well as in Leadership Plaza at the corner of Fifth Street South and College Street. Residents and visitors alike get the opportunity to purchase art, meet and talk with the artists, take advantage of in-store discounts and promotions and enjoy music in the streets.
“It is truly great to see every medium of paintings displayed, as well as sculpture art, glasswork, photography, fine jewelry and much more,” said Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow. “We enjoy partnering with the Columbus Arts Council each year so that this fabulous community event can take place in our historic downtown area.”
Twenty businesses and more than 35 artists are slated to participate Thursday. Bring cash or checks to make purchases from artists, no credit cards.
Rae’s Jewelry owner Pete Elmore on Fifth Street South looks forward to the festive event. Rae’s will host stained glass artist Jane Crawford inside the store.
“Absolutely, we like to have lots of people in the store,” Elmore said. “It’s kind of like a party; people come in, some know the artist, they chat and look at everything.” The Art Walk can bring a whole different group of people into various businesses, added Elmore, who has owned Rae’s for 18 years.
Columbus Arts Council Program Manager Beverly Norris said, “It’s wonderful to see folks of all ages out enjoying themselves, visiting downtown shops and getting exposed to original art and great music all at the same time. Columbus has really come together to support this, and with the participation of the businesses and the talented artists, it’s grown into a fun community event.”
Main Street Columbus will offer face painting at its offices at 107 Fifth St. S. and a children’s activity, “something kids can enjoy and take home with them,” Bigelow said.
The Art Walk brings people from all walks of life together, she noted.
“Whether you are an avid art collector or a novice one, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information about Art Walk Downtown, contact Main Street Columbus at 662-328-6305, or the Columbus Arts Council at 662-3282787 (closed Mondays).
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Main Street Columbus, Columbus Arts Council
WHAT: Columbus Art Walk Downtown
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown businesses, sidewalks
COST: Free to attend
Art Walk 2018 Pairings
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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