Murphy – The streets were buzzing Friday evening in historical downtown with the sounds of walkers and shoppers who came out for the Art Walk.
The Murphy Art Walk offers a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come out and meet folks, listen to some great music, shop, dine and taste some wine, and vendors lined the sidewalks with the best of their wares proudly on display. The event is presented by the Valley River Arts Guild with the participation of area businesses.
Dan Faber was one of the evening's vendors. He owns the The Santa Claus Shop in Montgomery, Ala., and displayed his Cyprus Santa Clauses, which are made from the Cyprus knees that grow off the roots of red and bald Cyprus trees.
Faber finds the knees in the swamps of Alabama. He harvests, cleans, carves and paints them to create his pieces of festive artwork. For details on his work, visit www.thesantaclausshop.com.
Deni Graves has owned and operated The Marketplace Antiques & Consignment shop for seven years. She said she still enjoys sponsoring monthly artists and vendors at the Art Walk.
Robert Bessey came out to represent Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, which is part of Erlanger Health Systems out of Chattanooga, Tenn. Bessey, the volunteer and gift shop supervisor, was set up to help educate and recruit volunteers.
Bessey also offered various give-a-ways that could be received just by spinning a wheel for added fun. For details, email robert.bessey@erlanger.org.
The weather was great, and folks were friendly Friday. Many people shared that it was just good to be out and about, laughing and having a great time.
The Murphy Art Walk happens the first Friday of each month from 5-8 p.m. from May though December.
Authored by Anngee Quinones-Belian / Staff Correspondent