Art Walk begins tonight

Opening-night reception at Starbucks

Though Madison Park may suffer a dearth of art galleries (dearth, in this case, meaning zero), that doesn't mean we're a neighborhood where art and artists are under appreciated.  The lack of "proper" venues for art is simply not an impediment to a community that has shops, restaurants, salons, and offices in abundance.  It's now a tradition (assuming three years running can be so designated) that each summer Art comes to the Park, with a weeks-long art walk showcasing the works of local artists, sometimes on display in unlikely locations.  That's part of what makes it fun.

The tradition began with MadArt two years ago and was continued by the Madison Park Business Association with a successful Art Walk last year.  The summer-art idea has proven so popular, in fact, that there were more artists interested in participating in this year's event than there is space to show their works. The diverse art of more than two dozen artists will be on display during the Second Annual Madison Park Art Walk (September 9-30), the theme of which is "Life @ Elevation 46."  All of the artists are either from Madison Park or surrounding communities.

Those who've been reading this blog since inception are well aware that we're very big on art (MPB is an Art not Ads website).  But in the interests of full disclosure we should note (for those not already clued in) that the Madison Park Blogger is married to Madison Park artist Margo Spellman, who helped organize and is a participant in Art Walk again this year (that's her art above).  Shameless Plug Number Two: she has an art show upcoming in Manhattan next month, details available on her website (www.margospellman.com).

So where were we?  Oh yes, Party!!!  The opening night reception at Starbucks is always a lot of fun (or at least it was last year).  The wine begins flowing at 6 pm and continues until 9 pm (unless they run out). One piece by each Art Walk artist will be on display at Starbucks, and many if not most of the participating artists will be present.  After the reception, it's off to see the art scattered around "The Village."  Music will be provided by Sambatuque at the triangle park in front of Bing's, and there will also be music at other venues. Free ice cream will be provided by Bank of America at the bank's new park-bench installation by the BofA parking lot.

Here's some more art to whet your appetite:

Artist: Barbara Ireland

Artist: Brooke Westlund

Artist: Art Messer

We will, of course, cover this event in full.  But reading about it is hardly the same experience as coming on down, seeing the art in person, and meeting the artists.  If you must miss tonight's opening, you still have the rest of the month to experience the high-quality and diversity of our local art community.  It's an impressive bunch!

[Top photo: art by Malei Young.  The art shown here is representative of the artists' work but will not necessarily be on display as part of the 2011 Art Walk. Details of the artists and locations where their art will displayed is available here. Starbucks is located at 4000 E. Madison St.]