It’s been said that the best things come in threes, but Main Street Columbus makes it four by having Art Walk Downtown added to the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in the Southeast for September 2017. Three other Columbus events are already among Top 20 selections for this year — Market Street Festival, Wassail Fest and Sounds of Summer.
Main Street Columbus and the Columbus Arts Council partnered four years ago to create the Art Walk to help the general public become more aware of the diversity and quality of art available in the community.
The Walk began with local artists paired with downtown business owners, to display art inside a merchant’s shop, attracting visitors and shoppers to the participating store as well. In just four years, however, the event has grown to have artists also lining the sidewalks and in Leadership Plaza, along with local musicians who add a warm, hometown feel to the evening, said Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow.
More than 20 businesses participate in the annual Walk that draws interested residents and visitors alike to historic Downtown Columbus for a creative experience. All have an opportunity to purchase original art, meet the artists, take advantage of in-store discounts and promotions and hear live music.
“We enjoy partnering with the Columbus Arts Council each year so that this fabulous community event can take place in our historic downtown area,” said Bigelow. “We have such wonderful local artists and our Art Walk Downtown allows them an opportunity to showcase their talents.
“We believe that having a well-defined art and cultural district proves vital and is a part of today’s new economy. I am pleased and confident in saying that both Main Street Columbus and the Columbus Arts Council are proud to support it!”
Columbus Arts Council Program Manager Beverly Norris said, “Columbus has really come together to support this, and with the participation of downtown businesses and talented artists, Art Walk Downtown has grown into a fun community event that has something for everyone. It’s wonderful to see folks of all ages out enjoying themselves.”
This year’s Art Walk Downtown is set for Thursday, Sept. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus at 662-328-6305 or the Columbus Arts Council at 662-328-2787.
The Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to promoting and developing tourism in its 12 member states, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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