WESTFIELD-Since last summer, the ArtWorks Westfield team has been “tinkering” with the concept of an art block party, according to Bill Westerlind.
“While other projects surfaced that pushed the art walk idea to the back burner, after seeing so many other communities hold very successful monthly art walks, we decided we must give it a try,” said Westerlind, who serves as ArtWorks president.
Andrea Fabiana Bruno, owner of Blended Vintage Marketplace, will showcase dream catchers by Gabbi Rae during the launch of Art Walk Westfield.
The ArtWorks team is working with four “very supportive and engaging” downtown Westfield merchants who have agreed to host the inaugural Art Walk Westfield event on June 22, noted Westerlind. The event is planned from 5 to 7 p.m.
Westerlind noted that each location will serve as a pop up gallery along the walk. This week the artwork will be located in the shops on the western side of Elm Street between numbers 34 to 48 Elm St..
“Over time we’d like to build out the number of participating merchants and expand the art walk deeper and wider into the downtown Gaslight District,” said Westerlind. “We purposely and strategically decided to start small, execute well, build a following and then invite more merchants and artists to participate each month.”
Artists helping to launch Art Walk Westfield include Westfield watercolor artist Sandy Sessler who will display her work and conduct a watercolor demonstration, and James Johnson-Corwin, an acrylic painter and illustrator, who will also show his work and conduct a demonstration. Additional artist displays will be, the photography by Danny Nason, dream catcher artistry and photography by Gabbi Rae, clay artistry and photography by Lucille Nason, and the work of long exposure astro/Milky Way photographer John Nardacci, Jr..
James Johnson-Corwin will show his work and conduct a demonstration at Rosewood Home & Gifts during Art Walk Westfield.
“The objective of Art Walk Westfield is to promote and showcase local art, invite residents to explore the downtown shops and restaurants, and build a sense of community engagement,” said Westerlind.
Andrea Fabiana Bruno, from Blended Vintage at 48 Elm St, said she is passionate about this project.
“I’m all in,” she said. “I support local artists because it is huge for their work to be recognized.”
Jillian Knapp, another host at Rosewood Gifts at 34 Elm St., shared similar sentiments.
“The art walk will showcase local artists which will give them a chance for their creativity to shine,” said Knapp.
Each month will feature new artists and different artistic themes.
Jillian Knapp, owner of Rosewood Home & Gifts, welcomes James Johnson-Corwin, an acrylic painter/illustrator, to show his work and conduct a demonstration during the launch of Art Walk Westfield.
“In some of the shops with a larger foot print like the Blended Vintage Marketplace, we will feature multiple artists during the same month and much of the artwork on display each month will be available for purchase,” said Westerlind. “Weather permitting, the walk will feature artists conducting live demonstrations outside on the sidewalk in front of each shop.”
Westerlind said “buskers” or street performers are also being invited to perform along the walk.
In addition to Westerlind serving as coordinator of the project, ArtWorks Westfield board members and volunteers who are the key drivers of the art walk include Westfield artists Donna Carmel, Shannon Chiba, Ashley Boettcher and Danny Nason, and Westfield author Susan Buffum.
John Nardacci, Jr. will conduct a demonstration at Two Rivers Burrito Co. during Art Walk Westfield.
Starting in July, Art Walk Westfield will be observed on the third Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
“We are looking for as many local and regional artists to participate in the art walk as possible,” said Westerlind. “The more diverse and varied artistic offerings, the better.”
Artists can visit the ArtWorks Westfield Facebook page for more details or send an email to [email protected].
