by Mary-Kate Roan
Staff Writer
When Art Walk started five years ago, there were only a handful of vendors and about 50 people participating in the festivities. It has since grown to over 40 vendors and thousands of participants.
“This year’s (participation) has been the largest,” said Downtown Jacksonville, Inc. Director of Marketing Pamela Elms.
And what kind of a birthday would it be without birthday cake?
Two cakes were ordered from Worman’s Bakery & Deli on Broad Street for participants to enjoy on a first come, first serve basis – and being stationed at Hemming Plaza and the Times-Union Center for Performing Arts, the cakes didn’t last long.
Some of the evening’s highlights included: a live body painting show by Pashur; the “The Art of Fashion” fashion show at the Jacksonville Landing, a canned food drive benefitting The Children’s Home Society of Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida and the Sulzbacher Home; and the Main Library’s collection of photographs by Brian Shurm inspired by the waterways, commerce of the seaport and the art of dance through Florida Ballet.
But that wasn’t the best thing for Elms.
“I love the fact that the Symphony is doing “Beethoven’s Fifth” on the fifth year anniversary,” said Elms.
Following the Symphony’s performance, a wine bar – compliments of Savor Jacksonville – and the second birthday cake were brought out for participants.
Art Walk also featured a glimpse of the Downtown Sidewalk Chalk Contest that will be held at the Landing on Nov. 25. The prizes up for grabs in the contest range from $500 and $1,000 scholarships for students, $1,500 for artists and $500 plus a trip for families.
Registration has already begun and space is limited. Go to www.jaxchalkfest.com for more information.
Though Art Walk is not the first of its kind, it has caught on fast.
Plans are already in motion for next month’s Art Walk featuring holiday spirit.
“We’re going to have Santa available for pictures,” said Elms. “And you can get your picture with Santa for free.”
The next Art Walk will be Dec. 3.
356-2466