Keith Strange/The News
Tanya Jones (in black), the executive director of the Surry Arts Council, chats with a group of visitors as they visit the Andy Griffith Museum for Art Walk. Inside, visual arts as well as traditional works were on display. Jones called the turnout for the inaugural event “incredible.”
Keith Strange/The News
Basket maker Sharon Pucket, of Laurel Fork, Va., is on hand Saturday for the first ever Art Walk.
Keith Strange/The News
Artists displayed a multitude of talents during Art Walk, from basket weaving to pen and ink sketches to art photography. Organizers said that more than 75 artists were represented at more than 40 locations in downtown Mount Airy.
Keith Strange/The News
Mount Airy painter Steven Hopkins had dozens of his works on display at Old North State Winery during yesterday’s Art Walk.
Downtown Mount Airy was bustling Saturday, as throngs gathered for the first ever Mount Airy Art Walk.
The event showcased the works of well over 75 artists at 40 locations, according to Surry Arts Council Executive Director Tanya Jones.
“It was a huge success,” she said as she navigated the crowd at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. “We probably have eight or nine basket makers here, a wood carver and visual artists on site. We have a lot going on.”
The event featured artists showcasing their works while creating new pieces at the site.
And it wasn’t just an average hung canvasses in a staid museum. The works, including painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, graphic design, jewelry making, batik, quilting, basket making, luthier craft, woodworking, ceramics, doll making, leather work, needlework craft, lace tatting, book signing and face painting, were featured in non-traditional venues, from a balcony at the Earle Theatre to a restaurant lobby.
Jones said the great thing about the event was the co-sponsorship of the event through a subgrant of Grassroots program of the North Carolina Arts Council.
“What that subgrant did was make the event entirely free to local businesses,” she said. “It allowed the artists to sell the work and keep 100 percent of the proceeds of the sale.”
Calling the first-ever event a “win-win for the community,” Jones said plans are already in the formative stages for a second-annual event next year.
“We’re absolutely planning another one based on the response to this one,” she said with a grin. “Folks have really jumped on board with different venues hosting multiple events.”
Jones said a trip downtown Saturday morning said it all.
“I couldn’t find a place to park,” she said. “This is incredible. Every parking place on Main Street was taken and I got to the Andy Griffith Playhouse about 10 a.m. and the parking lot was full. There were artists in the lobby, downstairs and just about anywhere we could put them.
“It’s just what we wanted to happen,” Jones said. “It really makes the town come alive and shows the high quality of art we have here in Mount Airy and Surry County.”
Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.
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