Perhaps it was the heat, but Wallingford Art Walk was surprisingly subdued tonight. Certainly, there were people out and many of the participating businesses had remarkable art to greet them, but there was definitely the sense that, if you didn’t know something was going on, you could walk down 45th Street and remain unaware. This is a disappointment and a lost opportunity.
We suspect there were several contributing factors. First, not all businesses that are on the map actually participate. Certainly, only a small handful displayed the yellow art walk star to help art-seeking ambulators find their fix. This can be disheartening and makes you think twice about making the trek to some of the further afield locations.
Another factor is likely the dispersed nature of the participating businesses. Oasis, one of the two dedicated art galleries in the mix, is all the way down on N 37th and Wallingford Ave, 3/4 of a mile from Wallingford Center. That distance sort of takes the “walk” out of Art Walk. Of course, if you’re ending your evening with dinner at Cantinetta, or coming from down that way, it’s well worth the trip, but throw in the participating businesses running down Stone Way (e.g., School of Oom Yung Doe, Windows Art Gallery and Cornerstone Collective), and it means you have to pick and choose which area to visit.
Finally, there hasn’t been much coordinated promotion of the event. It would be fantastic to get a preview of the artists that are showing at the various locations (especially given the previous two points) to help build anticipation and interest. It would also be nice if some of the other surrounding businesses pitched in with some Art Walk-related specials. Many Wallingford Center businesses offer 10% off during the Farmers Market, for example. What about Art Walk?
All that said, for those of us who did turn out for it, it was a fine evening, well spent. There was some remarkable art to be had at “galleries” such as Trophy Cupcakes, Fuel Coffee, Chocolati, Cutz / Meridian, Teahouse Kuan Yin, ReLeaf Massage and more. (ReLeaf, by the way, won the “best snacks” award, with sliced salami, cheese, nuts and strawberries). Here’s a sampling:
Some friends of mine went on the Art Walk and were frustrated to find that many businesses on the map were not actually open. They felt like they were intruding on the “normal” business if they were just there to do the Art Walk.
Yesterday, I crossed the great divide (Phinney Ridge) to go on the art walk with my Wallingford boyfriend. We saw maybe three yellow “Art Walk” signs on the parking strip along the length of 45th, but were baffled to find no art; we saw nothing indicating actual participating artists or venues. No maps either. We then walked to the Good Shepherd Center and through the Farmers Market, thinking surely we’d see something relating to the art walk there, but to all appearances it was an ordinary Wednesday night. Invisible art?
(Where are the buskers at the Wallingford Farmers Market?)
I was up there yesterday and totally concur with Jordan’s assessment. I wasn’t sure if the event at Trophy Cupcakes was part of art walk or a private event. Same with the “One Hundred Horses” display at the Wallingford Center.
Participating businesses (and/or artists) would be wise to go to Trader Joe’s and invest $30 in wine, sparkling water, cheese and crackers to let people know that they are welcome to linger. And put up some sort of signage.
I think the Wallingford Art Walk has just found the extra committee volunteers it needs! A few dedicated people can’t do it alone, and the participants need to use the tools provided (signs, suggestions).
I’d be happy to volunteer a few hours. I’m looking for full/part-time/freelance work (see my “virtual/general ad in job forum for an overview of general skills), hoping to move and work in Wallyhood. Volunteering is a great way to meet folks, and the art walk is a wonderful way to promote local artists and build community.
Bah, committees. If businesses sign up to participate and then don’t arrange for artists, stay open or put out the signs they were given, volunteers will be of little use, IMO.
I think the problem is that this is more of a chamber of commerce walk, than an art walk…
Yo, Wallyhood, that’s what I meant about business participants using the tools provided. I know the folks at Oasis Gallery work really diligently on this . . . maybe this discussion could be about what having an art walk means. And there is an existing committee or there wouldn’t be an ArtWalk, such as it is.
As the volunteering Co-Chair of the Art Walk, I’d like to respond by saying that a successful Art Walk has many factors. Not only is it the publicity efforts of 2 people, but also the business participants, neighborhood organizations, residents, quality of art, nearby restaurants wanting to get involved, media coverage, and years of longevity. Many people are making an effort to build it up, and we appreciate all assistance from those who positively promote or improve the Art Walk. Some people are focusing on the negatives or comparing us to other art walks, which is not as helpful.
There have been a multitude of challenges in creating and maintaining an event like this, the list is too long to write here. The fact that Wallingford businesses are spread out has been an overall challenge, we tried a free shuttle for the first two years which was ridden by only a handful of people. A recent challenge is having had someone steal more than 1/3 of our yard signs last month which significantly impacted a huge recent effort to promote the event.
Our goal is that people will continue to encourage the development of this event and that 5 years from now it will be the biggest Art Walk in Seattle. For now, we are doing our best to build it one step at a time with the resources we have. Thanks for your coverage of the Art Walk – every bit helps.
My two cents: I really appreciate the folks that are working hard to make this happen, AND I totally agree with @Bruno. It’s a chamber of commerce walk, and trying to force it into an “art walk” mold isn’t working. Why not call it Wallingford Wednesdays (or something cleaver) and have participating restaurants offer prix fixe menu specials that will encourage people to try places they haven’t been… shops could do sidewalk sales… use the stage area by the Wallingford center for stuff like Boys&Girls Club break dancers! Karate studio demonstrations!… and certainly there would still be art and music and all that good stuff… yeah, I’d volunteer to work on it!
As the other co -chair of this event I would like to say this is year 3 for the Art Walk. I was very disappointed in the turn out last Wed. The participating business’s need to do more to promote and at least put your signage up and tell your clients to come to this event! We will gladly accept volunteers that have great ideas to help promote this event. FYI I have approached several bars and restaurants to have “specials” the day/eve of the Art Walk and they have declined. To say the least it’s frustrating but I won’t give up well…. at least until October.
The hightlight of the AW was as I walking through the Farmers Market passing out maps of the Art Walk a nice gentleman took a map and asked me how long the AW had been going on and how it got started. I told him 3 years ago I had just opened a new business and wanted to promote local artist’s and then I approached the Chamber of Commerce in Wallingford and hence the AW began. He asked my name and I asked him his and he said he was Mike McGinn…he thanked me for my work in Wallingford. 🙂
I want to add my thanks to the committee and all the folks that have contributed to the artwalk. I know these things can be a ton of work and very frustrating. My partner and I have been disappointed by the lack of art and artists at the walk (as well as participating businesses). Come on Wallingford businesses – we’re here for you! Invite us in!