by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Downtown’s First Wednesday Art Walk is growing up and getting a larger, more diverse crowd.
Since the initial Art Walk over two years ago, the monthly event has increased its number of venues from eight to more than 40. The number of participants has gone up, too, ranging from a few hundred to at least 1,800 people last month, according to Downtown Vision, Inc., the nonprofit group that organizes Art Walk.
DVI’s Karen Barnes attributes the growing numbers to an overall push for compelling art and special features.
“I think the structure and the focus of the Art Walk has grown tremendously,” said Barnes. “The definition of art has really expanded in the last year.” She explained that a wide scope of artistic additions, from spoken word readings to live pottery-throwing, have given Art Walk changing, dynamic themes.
Some of those themes have drawn in audiences that are less familiar with Art Walk. In turn, the audience grows. Barnes said student artwork – from kindergarten to college age students – gives youth a chance for exposure and brings different people to the mix.
“It bridges the gap between our (Downtown) businesses and the residential community,” said Barnes. “I think it’s important that Downtown is full of youth, energy and vibrancy.”
Art Walk originally drew a lot of alternative, arty people, according to Tony Allegretti, the consultant who developed the idea for Art Walk in 2003. He said Barnes’ themes, such as May’s “A Tribute to the Jacksonville Film Festival,” are taking Art Walk to “a whole new level.” While Allegretti said a variety of people have always attended Art Walk, the diversity of the crowd – and the art itself – continues to expand.
“We have strollers and wheelchairs,” said Allegretti, who also owns Burrito Gallery. “The coolest thing to me about Art Walk is that all the things you can do on it, you can do all the time. It’s an introduction (to Downtown).”
Barnes said Art Walk venues often work with DVI or partner with other businesses to create artistic atmospheres. The Twisted Martini at the Landing, for example, is working with Premiere Beverage Company to sponsor the official Art Walk After Party.
Steve Anderson, marketing director for Twisted Martini, said the bar hosts an artist and creates an inspired drink. For example, tropical artwork might lend itself to a tropical fruit martini. They also give away a free martini to patrons with a stamped Art Walk passport (10 is the preferred minimum stamps).
“It’s a very reciprocal relationship,” Anderson said. He explained that Twisted Martini helps promote Art Walk. In turn, Downtown restaurants and businesses will draw more people in to the area at other times, as well.
“As more and more businesses come on board, it creates a nice synergy,” said Anderson. He added that consumers attracted to the variety of venues and special features will become more familiar with Downtown and more comfortable walking around the area. “That’s what we want to be: a walking city.”
May’s First Wednesday Art Walk will have several special features. Violet Vintage plans to have art, live music, refreshments and thousands of pairs of LaRose shoes for sale at 121 E. Bay St. An alley with music will connect patrons to the Jacksonville Film Festival’s free short film screenings at the Florida Theatre. More Art Walk stops, happenings and other information are available at www.downtownjacksonville.org.