10 years ago, when we opened our doors, there were only two places in Edmonds to buy art. In March of 2002, we founded - and still direct today - the beloved Edmonds Third Thursday Art Walk. And now, so many years later, not only has it become one of the largest art walks in the state, but it has also seen the birth of many new galleries in town. One can now purchase art in 18 places on any given day, and over 40 on Art Walk night itself. Wow! What a change is that!
Because we had so few art galleries in town, we had to think of another way to configure our art walk. Two places does not an art "walk" make. A "hop" perhaps, but not a "walk." So, we cajoled a few other businesses to simply host an artist for the evening. Can't remember exactly, but it seems about 8 places hosted artists for that first year.
There seems to be something about making it past a year. We had several others join in after that, and for quite a few years hovered at the "12" mark. Then we saw a leap up to around 18 participants on a regular basis. Then in 2008, we saw a great leap forward to 40! And as for patrons, well, on any given night - even in the dead of winter - sees at least a couple hundred folks walking around, enjoying the art, watching the demonstrations, sipping the wine,and having such fun.
We had no idea at the beginning that it would turn out like that, but we are so very proud of having made such a difference in our little town. We always smile when we look at advertisements about Edmonds, and see the Art Walk listed as one of the top-billed reasons to visit or live here.
Manya
ManyaVeeSelects.com
No comments:
Post a Comment