Are you ready to be bedazzled?
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you will be able to stroll the beautiful, historic downtown to see the art creations of 34 local artists. A variety of art media including oil, acrylic, watercolor, bead work, pottery, photography, mixed media and sculpture will be on display.
You will love the beauty of nature in some art and laugh at the fantasy spirit of witch houses. Grab a cup of coffee or an energy drink and view the works of art with family and friends. The work will remain in the windows for two weekends. Brochures and maps will be available at the Carnegie Museum, the Crawfordsville District Public Library and in most downtown locations. Montgomery County is fortunate to have so many talented artists who are willing to display their art.
A great place to park and start your tour is at the Crawfordsville District Public Library where members of The Art League of Montgomery County have a display of 104 pieces of art in the Mary Bishop Memorial Art Gallery. Going north on Washington Street, the Farmers’ Market will be active with our local farm goods and crafts including Evan Ratcliff’s hand-crafted and restored radio flyer wagon and Olive Ratcliff’s 4-H photography project. Amy Westphal will have her hand-thrown pottery at A Second City Café. Judith Lynn Smith enjoys showing nature in her artwork which will be located at In His Time Books and Gifts. Next door, at Creek Jewelers, you can see Mary Lou Dawald’s whimsical clay potheads, which are suitable for inside and outside plants. Healthies will display Anne Viray Sipahimalani’s outstanding beadwork jewelry. Alicia MacIsaac has focused on art after her retirement from teaching. Her paintings at heathcliff reflect moments of solitude, discovery, and fun. Karen Patton and Don Gould works are featured at the Taylor, Chadd, Minnette, Schneider & Clutter office. Karen Patton paints scenes that give her pleasure and peace. Don Gould has welded car parts into his sculptured art. Carol Baird has a display of watercolor nature pieces at CK & Company. Be sure to continue down Washington Street to Crossroads Furniture to see a collection of colorful, original pieces by artists Eleanor Brewer and Bobbie Smith.
Go back to Main Street where you can continue your art exploration. Of course, you may need to get a couple pieces of candy from Miss Sugar Ray Chocolatier while you are viewing the mixed media art of Lizzy Cook. At Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio you can view the book plates designed by Leslie Warren that were used to illustrate the children’s book Abuela’s Sombrero written by Julie Bergfors. Toni Ridgway-Woodall considers herself as a visual storyteller and you see for yourself at Whimsie.
You need to head east on Main Street to see the incredible nature photography by David Henthorn at Henthorn, Harris & Welliver. At the Marie Canine Plaza turn north on Green Steet to see the creative art by Campbell Washer at The Shop Small Shop Homemade on Green Street. As you return to Main Street you can view the reflection photographs taken by Kenn Clark at Top Line Athletics. Next door, at DES Engineering, you can see the brightly colored paintings by our local artist Alice Harpel. Crawfordsville High School students Joselyn Cortex-Tapia and Trinity Reams have very personal pieces in the windows of the former Athens Arts Gallery. They both have said that art reflects their lives. During the week you can see a display of bright and cheery sunflowers photographed by Kathy Steele in the art gallery inside Tri-County Bank.
A trip to the Jerry Smith Studio on south Green Street will provide a treasure trove of works by the very talented and award-winning artist Jerry Smith. The China Inn will have a display of photographs from John Zimmerman who delightfully snaps photos of nature, people, and objects of interest.
As you walk back to the south side of Main Street you will be treated to an incredible multi-media, witch house display by Roberta Bowman. Roberta makes these houses out of found objects, cardboard, holiday decorations, lace, beads, flowers, fabric, and lots of glue, paint and very innovative ideas. Just plan to spend a few extra minutes at this display at Nogginz Haircare Co. You will love it. If you need to take a break, you can sit and enjoy the Crawfordsville Alley Mural in the alley of the Montgomery County Community Foundation. Pat Paris has two framed watercolor pieces in the window of Milligan’s Flowers and Gifts along with more jewelry pieces by Anne Viray Sipahimalani. This is a great place to start your holiday shopping. If you are ready for a coffee break, you can stop in the The Joshua Cup while enjoying the creative multi-media work by Nina Cunningham and paintings by Lori Stewart. Peek in the window of Sugar Creek Eyecare to see one of Kathy Steele’s favorite photographs of a small child and a dog. It will warm your heart. Marsha Castello gets inspiration from the world around her. She loves animals, children, and color. You can see her work at Bush Design Co. Lakin Wilcox Photography has unique pieces by Kathleen Norton. Her work will encourage you to see the joy in art and get inspired. Photographer David Bethard loves landscapes, birds, and animals. Please take some time to soak up the beauty that he conveys with his photos at PRKD Properties. Will and Liam Bernhardt have photographs in the Bearded Comics & Collectable windows. This is the second year that this father and son team have participated in the Art Walk.
You might think that you have seen it all, but there are four more places where you can experience some incredible exhibits. Who knew we had so much talent in this community. First, stop by the Carnegie Museum and view the “Home” Community Art Exhibit. This is a collection of art by local artist describing their perception of “Home.” Second, The Created by Artisan Gallery at 301 E. College St. will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. This art gallery contains art from a variety of local artists. Third, the Wabash College Fine Arts Center has an exhibit by renowned artist and former art professor at Wabash College, Gregory Huebner. Fourth, the First Christian Church at 211 S. Walnut St. has an exhibit by Quinton Nannet. Quinton recently spent 14 months in New Zealand where he used photography to capture the beauty of his adventure.
The Art Walk is sponsored by The Art League of Montgomery County with the goal of supporting artists and encouraging arts and crafts in the community. The Art League appreciates all the downtown business owners who were willing to participate by offering a space for local artist to display artwork during this time. We thank the artists for sharing their art and for taking the time to set up the art in the windows.
If you are interested in becoming an Art League member, you can find brochures available at the library or contact betsystrain@gmail.com.
