Escanaba ArtWalk connects local artists, businesses
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ESCANABA -- Downtown Escanaba will transform into a collection of pop-up art galleries today as the second annual Escanaba ArtWalk brings local artists, businesses and community members together.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Ludington Street, with artists displaying their work inside participating downtown businesses. Visitors can meet the artists, learn about their creative process and browse or purchase original artwork while exploring downtown.
Bailey Janette of Dress Up said the event grew from an idea to celebrate Escanaba's art scene and create connections between artists, businesses and the community. ArtWalk coincides with Pablo Picasso's birthday and International Artists Day.
"I think last year this event kind of came to us through a spark of inspiration, thinking about Picasso and talking about the art scene here in Escanaba," Janette said. "This is such a great way to bridge the artist with the community and the businesses. I'm so excited for this year."
Dress Up will host fiber artist Jessica Shields. Other participating artists include Al Hansen, who will demonstrate pottery at T&T Hardware; painter Monica Mortel at Canterbury Book Store; and Sara Beck at Dream Day Events Center.
At Nyman's Jewelers, owner Sue Parker is looking forward to featuring woodworker Ted Brainard and his handcrafted woodwork and tables.
Brainard originally created the distinctive tables displayed in the store's front window after suggesting he could make something for the business.
"He said, 'What if I made you this table?' and he made us these gorgeous tables," Parker said. "The wood is curved in the middle and there are flat plates on the end, and they are very versatile and beautiful. They've held up wonderfully over the years."
The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority and the Bonifas Arts Center are sponsoring the event. Alex Letts, event coordinator at the Bonifas, said opportunities such as ArtWalk help artists reach new audiences and build relationships within the community.
"It is really important to get them out into the community, to have their art be supported not only by purchasing it from their vendor booth during this and other events throughout the year, but also get them that exposure, get them those eyes on their art, give them a venue to connect with people, connect with the community," Letts said.
The Escanaba ArtWalk encourages residents and visitors to support local artists and downtown businesses while experiencing the variety of creative talent in the region.
A complete list of participating artists and locations is available at escanabadowntown.com or by scanning the QR code on ArtWalk posters. “Artist Inside” cards are posted on the doors of participating businesses.