Murphy – An Art Walk season altered by COVID-19 ended on a disappointing note with a rainy night Friday. Many artists planned for the evening didn’t set up their spaces, and foot traffic through town was light as some businesses closed earlier than usual during the event.
New artist Kenzie Smith was surprised she sold a painting even though there weren’t many people out. She figured it was still worth it to show and possibly sell her work to anyone who may still come out in the light rain.
“I worked really hard on them. I put a lot of heart into my paintings,” she said. “I want them to see it.”
Because it was the December Art Walk, most of the paintings she brought with her were holiday or winter themed.
Her boyfriend, Quentin Dockery, told her she should participate after telling her about how his grandmother used to take him to Art Walk when he was younger. She never thought being an artist would be something she could financially do.
“I enjoy doing it,” she said. “It’s my passion.”
A few other artists were scattered through downtown, most inside the businesses sponsoring them for the evening.
Although he wished it wasn’t raining and that the tree lighting could have been the same night as originally planned for the final Art Walk of the season, organizer Tim Ford said overall it was a good year, even though COVID-19 restrictions canceled the first few monthly Art Walks.
“For the months that we actually had it, I thought it was great,” Ford said. “A lot of new artists – that’s the most rewarding part of what we do.”
Ford said this may have been his last time organizing the event for the Valley River Arts Guild.
“I’m thinking we’re going to bring some new people in with new ideas,” he said, adding that he would continue to stay involved and help. “It’s time for fresh ideas.”
Anyone interested in helping should contact the guild at 360-3038. Membership is not required to help with the Art Walk.
“We want more community involvement,” Ford said.
The Art Walk is usually held from 5-8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month from May through December in downtown Murphy.