Pittsburg ready for first Art Walk

On April 14th, Pittsburg's streets will be a place for local artists and art lovers to not only enjoy the spring weather, but also to share their love of fine art and music. The event is the city’s first annual "Art Walk," which will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 9 p.m.

Stephanie Bowman, a member of the faculty in the PSU Art Department and director of the PSU art galleries, said the idea for a community art walk had its genesis several years ago.

"When I arrived in Pittsburg back in 2001, one of the first people I met was Alan Ross," Bowman said. "His commitment to the community and his love for the people and history of Pittsburg was quickly apparent… and in those first few months I came to know and see the community as Alan did. When I first learned of Alan and LaStacia's vision to see an Art Walk happen in Pittsburg, I was not surprised because an event like this is intended to bring the people and talent of a community together in a fun, interesting and exciting way. Karl Lipscomb’s experience with a much larger, but similar event in Springfield gave the early planning meetings a goal to work towards, and we all set about doing what we could to create an event that is common in many cities around the country. And although Pittsburg does not have the population of other places it has all the heart and all the art it needs for this event to take off."

Bowman said displays will be set up in shops along the downtown area, from the Decorum on 9th street to the Wishing Tree at Euclid, allowing participants the opportunity to stroll from place to place, absorbing the sights and sounds. Area musicians will be stationed throughout the area, adding sound to sight for the walkers.

Exhibits will also be set up in various studios throughout Porter Hall on the PSU campus to showcase the work of a number of PSU faculty and students. The exhibits will range from ceramics and paintings, to jewelry and digital artwork. Additionally, visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in outdoor art activities that are guaranteed to bring out their 'inner artist.' Community Art Night activities at Porter Hall begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m. The studios will be open from 7-8 p.m.

Some of the artists involved in Art Walk are: Marjorie Schick, Malcolm Kucharski, James Oliver, Rhona Shand, Sharri Lindsay, Gregg Krepps and Bowman. Music will be provided by "Barak Hill," playing acoustic rock and alternative country, "Three Old Hippies," "Blood Red Moon," the "Ben Miller Band," and many other solo performers.

Parking will be available throughout the downtown area, and on campus. A reception will follow the scheduled events, beginning at 9 p.m., at the Wishing Tree, 212 S. Broadway. Organizers say they are eager for feedback from Art Walk participants so they can make the second annual Art Walk even bigger and better.

For more information:
Stephanie Bowman, PSU Art Department: 620-235-4305
Alan Ross, the Wishing Triee: 620-232-2377
Karl Lipscomb, Lipscomb Design Studio: 620-230-0477

---Pitt State---