Third art walk anticipates growth

Published 5:30 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2018

A tradition is getting underway once again on Friday.

Excitement is brewing at Blue River Studio for the third Downtown Art Walk, which is scheduled to take place Friday, Sept. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout Historic Downtown Elizabethton.

With two already in the bag, Karen Hitchcock with Blue River Studio said the upcoming event is expected to see more support.

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“We have more stores and artists that are participating this time,” she said. “It is exciting to see the support for the event.”

Participants will be able to stop by Blue River Studio’s location at 527 East Elk Ave. in Elizabethton. The art walk allows individuals to stop by the store to pick up a “passport” and after receiving it, individuals can take it around to the different stores downtown to be punched. Once the passport is punched, it will be returned to Blue River Studio and be put in a drawing for different prizes offered by supporters.

Hitchcock added the event will include a bevy of refreshments and goodies. Auntie Ruth’s Donuts and J’s Corner will set up on Armed Forces Drive. The Coffee Company will also stay open until 7 p.m. to serve the public.

The event will also see a growth in street musicians, Hitchcock said, with four musicians performing in the streets. A storyteller will also be reading during the event.

With chalk drawings on the sidewalk, art demonstrations and other goodies, Hitchcock said the excitement is in abundance for the next event. Each art walk is made possible from the downtown businesses, Elizabethton Arts and Cultural Alliance and a grant through the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Hitchcock said the goal of the event is to play a role in the revitalization of downtown Elizabethton. Hitchcock and other artists have done a sizeable amount of work over the past two years. There is artwork in the alleyway beside Sweetsie Treats and Blue River Studio has also partnered with the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market to offer musical entertainment.

“We want to play a part in the growth of downtown,” Hitchcock said. “We hope to use these art walks as a way to attract more people to the area and showcase what our local artists have to offer.”

Blue River Studio offers a variety of classes and other events throughout the months. To learn more about the business or other upcoming activities, call (585) 406-3255, visit their location downtown or check out the Blue River Studio Facebook page online.