by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Heavy rains and dreary weather might have kept people from lining the streets as usual during Wednesday’s April Art Walk, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended.
While some of the venues canceled their planned event, others simply brought their activities inside.
“Yeah, we were disappointed with the weather but really surprised by the strong turnout,” said Downtown Vision Executive Director Terry Lorince, speaking of the number of participants of Paint Downtown! “At least a couple hundred stopped by to check it out.”
Paint Downtown!, a streetscape improvement project that combined the efforts of American Institute of Graphic Artists members and Art Walkers to create a banner for the area around Adams and Laura streets, was one of the programs for the monthly Downtown cultural event. Originally planned as an outdoor event along the fence of Adams Street, the weather forced a slight detour into a space inside The Carling.
The weather didn’t affect the spirits of those who came to see the premiere of the Greenleaf Gallery for Art Walk.
“Oh this really is great,” said Michael Dunlap, one of the four artists represented in the exhibit. “To see so many people on a night like tonight, it really is fun.”
Dunlap’s work, along with that of Jim Draper, Jay Shoots and Mark Howard, will be displayed in the historic building for more than a night, though. The four have combined their efforts to rent the place on a month-to-month basis, said Dunlap, and the exhibit will soon be staffed and open during lunchtime hours for Downtown patrons to view.
Dunlap said he hopes to see the exhibit become one of the facets that make Downtown unique.
“We really just want this exhibit and space to become a part of the fabric of Downtown,” said Dunlap.
The next ArtWalk will be held May 6.
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