For the last few years, Wallingford Art Walk has gone through some gyrations.
A few years back, I remember it being an interesting, well attended neighborhood event. People strolled through shops in the neighborhood where artists showed their work next to wine and cheese. Musicians played outside of Wallingford Center and I was guaranteed to run into a handful of people I knew along the way, stop for a conversation and perhaps be introduced to someone new.
Somewhere along the way, it lost its spunk, and now the organizers are interested in hearing from you, Wallingford, about whether or not it should continue, and, if so, how you would like to see it change. And what would you be willing to do to help it?
I think one critical question to ask is “What is the purpose of Art Walk?” Is it to support art and artists? Or to create connections and community within the neighborhood? Or just entertainment? Or to drive traffic to Wallingford businesses?
I have some thoughts, but will share them in the comments section with everyone else.
I like all the purposes. if many purposes seems too diluted then change the name to Community Appreciation Art Walk.. and have art and ways for people to connect and be entertained. Have a group or 2 to perform in the plaza in front of Walllingford Center. I will volunteer to lead a community all levels yoga for 25 minutes for one Art Community Walk night.
I would love to participate in the walk, but have a hard time remembering when it is. Perhaps additional neighborhood signage would help.
Poster Giants covered up our signage last year. A on going problem with them.
Wallingford isn’t as pedestrian friendly as some neighborhoods like Ballard and Phinney Ridge, so we’re probably losing a portion of would-be attendees to surrounding neighborhood with Art Walks. We’re also more family-oriented, which means we’re not as appealing to the younger audiences. What if we paired up businesses with local breweries, put some beer gardens in strategic spots and tried to make it an event that really stands out from similar events across town? Just duplicating what is done elsewhere doesn’t seem to be working for our neighborhood. I could see us pairing with the farmers market and breweries, getting some bands together and coming up with interesting themes for each one that will stand out in advertising. Maybe the term “art walk” is too tired at this point to generate much excitement.
I agree with your comments. Thanks for you input.
I’m with Mixitup here I think. We’ve lived in the ‘hood for 10 years and haven’t ever done the art walk, but have done Ballard and downtown. When I think “art walk” I think galleries (downtown) or funky local businesses (Ballard) where you can go in, chat with folks, have a glass of wine and snacks. I’m not sure we have the density (either in population or businesses) to do what these other neighborhoods do. I love the idea of keeping it in the summer months (May–September?) having bands or other music, partnering with the local farmers market (maybe our art walk/new named-thing) can partner with the market on Wednesdays?), having small bites and drinks, etc. It would be cool to partner with our local schools and perhaps have student work shown. It would also be great to better use the Wallingford Center & the plaza. Maybe inside one of the empty spaces in the Center is a beer/wine garden with food, or the plaza if that can be licensed. It would be great to meet more neighbors but the current set up doesn’t seem to do it for at least me.
We have bands at every AW at the Wallingford Center. I have asked the restaurant’s to participate with very few willing. Would you be willing to help organize the 2014 Art Walk? You have great ideas!
I honestly thinking you should drop the “art” in the walk…Just call it a community night out. Still have the art, yes but the name is generally unappealing to all. Have beer specials at Bottleworks, maybe a scheduled session on how to brew beer, or how to pair beer with dinner. Appachanatto aka The Bounty could have a special coffee drink for parents and kids and growler specials. Trophy could do a BOGO on cupcakes. Wine chat at the wine place best 10 wines under $10!…basically getting every shop involved, posting an itinerary of whats available and providing an incentive. Wether it be specials on coffee, raffle tickets for sale that go to a good cause, something that gets people out there. You could have a passport for the kids so they get a stamp or sticker for every place the parents stop into. Simple hometown stuff. A band would be nice too.
When we had a different president of the Wallingford Business Association we had a lot of that. I miss it. However, art is also performances as in dancing and music. The few responses here in 2 days tells you a lot.
I started the first AW in 2008. Without community participation/volunteering the AW will not work.
Would you be willing to help organize this Art/event?
I’ve been to a few over the years. I would recommend not having restaurants participate unless there’s a dedicated gallery space. Last time I went on the Art Walk I wound up trying to look at art over people eating. Very uncomfortable all around.
I agree.
Thanks for all the input about the fate of the Wallingford Art Walk. For all you of you who would like to help please contact me via Facebook @ Wallingford Art Walk and we can take it from there. Thanks and have a great day!