WESTFIELD-Artist Marie Flahive has been sharing her passion of watercolor painting with students of all ages since 1968 and will be among more than 25 local and regional artists participating in the city’s first Art Walk: Arts on Elm on June 4.
Westfield Creative Arts (WCA), together with Westfield on Weekends, Inc. (WOW) will host the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marie Flahive will be among the artists participating in the city’s first Art Walk: Arts on Elm event June 4.
“This will be a first of its kind for Westfield, which is a treasure chest of enormous talent,” said Diana McLean, WOW president. “Let’s all pray for gorgeous weather to make the day really exceptional.”
The artists will be presenting their works both inside 15 businesses as well as outside under tents along the way, from the Westfield Athenaeum across both bridges ending at Westfield’s Depot Square. Food and refreshments will be available from the many eateries lining Elm Street.
Flahive’s new studio, the Marie Flahive Art Studio on the ground floor 
of 22 Cherry St., is only a short walk from Elm Street. The studio is in an old whip factory that has been going through a transformation for several years, according to Flahive who owns the building with her husband Joseph.
“During the art walk I am planning a celebration open house and art show,” said Flahive, who relocated her studio from Arnold Street last May due to the Downtown Renewal Program.
“This reception will showcase the studio’s new handicap-accessible work and classroom area,” said Flahive, adding that the renovated industrial space also offers gallery space where her work will be featured, as well as local artists associated with ArtsWest.
“We will also have space designated for my class participants,” said Flahive, noting that most of the work on display will be for sale.
Flahive said she expects 40 to 50 paintings to be available for sale, ranging in size from 5” x 7” to 22” x 30.” The reception will offer visitors a chance to also meet the artists and enjoy refreshments in the gallery area.
“I love to paint and I love to teach painting,” said Flahive, adding, “I have the best of both worlds.”
Artists to be showcased along Elm Street include Richard Nowak, demonstrating acrylic painting at Attorney Robert Walker’s office; Sebastian Glebocki, displaying several metal sculptures along the walk path, and Jenn Dorgan of Piece of My Art Studio and Donna Shibley of Pilgrim Candle Gift Shop, both on Union Avenue, will be presenting a summer arrangement of art and home décor essentials. Additionally, businesses including My Favorite Place and the Rinnova Gallery will feature artists selling quilts, jewelry, ceramics and much more, and exhibits at Whip City Candle include the fine points of candle making and stained glass.
As part of the festivities, musicians will stroll along the art walk as well as perform on the stage set up near Westfield’s Clock Tower.
McLean noted that chalk artists are also welcome to “stake out a few slabs of concrete” along Elm Street.
“The local proprietors welcome your expression,” said McLean.
McLean added there is always room for additional artists. For anyone interested in presenting or performing, call (413) 579-5967 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
“As a first of its kind, this art walk is being done on a hope and a prayer,” said Lester Walshin, founder of WCA, adding, “but it’s always amazing to realize what a great deal of enthusiasm and great good will can accomplish.”
