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Murphy – Things will start look more like normal Friday night, when the Art Walk returns downtown.
After attempting an indoors Art Walk in July and not holding an Art Walk in August, the Valley River Arts Guild decided to return to the original Art Walk concept – with artists lining the sidewalks and sponsoring businesses open late – for September, event organizer Tim Ford said. The event will be held from 5-8 p.m.
“The common thread of inputs I received from the merchants and the VRAG board for starting Art Walk is to inspire a sense of normality in the midst of this ongoing, sometimes confusing pandemic, while still following the guidelines of Phase 2 of the governor’s orders,” Ford said.
“Art Walk is a very important part of our community, and now more than ever we need to encourage the wonders of art and creativity.”
Both merchants and artists are encouraged to follow orders to wear face coverings and maintain social distance.
Ford said the July Art Walk, the first one of the year due to COVID restrictions, didn’t work well. Everything was held inside businesses to accommodate both the governor’s orders and needs of the town.
“It really was disappointing, and helped determine that future Art Walks had to be outside and consistent with the normal,” he said.
Art Walk will include rustic wood artist Richard Robinson outside Parson’s Pub, potter Chris Jones and mixed media artist Kathryn Nidy outside Bistro 29, and wood carver Tracy Land outside the Murphy Art Center.