by Mark Lawson Q. What is Artwalk? A. Artwalk is the state’s largest walking tour of artists’ homes and studios, neighborhood galleries and various alternative spaces. It is organized and sponsored by the Riverwest Artists Association (RAA). There are generally about 30 different sites on Artwalk spread out across Riverwest. Many area restaurants and taverns also participate, giving the event the overall quality of a neighborhood-wide open house for the arts. Q. Can I buy the artwork on exhibit at Artwalk? A. Artwalk is a good place to buy art. Buying directly from the artist can often save the purchaser considerable money. RAA also conducts a silent auction at their art gallery, the Riverwest Art Works (RAW), at 2670 N. Holton St. All proceeds from the auction and Artwalk support RAA programming, including ongoing exhibitions and a children’s art program, Art From the Heart. Q. What’s the story on the Push Cart Race? A. The official kick-off event for Artwalk is on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. as RAA presents the 4th Annual Push Cart Race, a neighborhood favorite with exotic vehicles hand-built by folks long on imagination and short on engineering. Be there for the thrills and chills in this life and death struggle for supremacy on the 800 block of E. Center St. (If you’re interested in racing, call Sparky at 264-4797.) Q. What else goes on during Artwalk? A. Selling art is only one of the activities that goes on during Artwalk. It is also a chance to view the diverse talents of the many creative individuals who make Riverwest their home. Everyone is welcome and questions and comments appreciated. Artwalk is about communication and community. There are other community events that coincide with Artwalk, as well. For example, there will be a community drum circle in Garden Park on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6. Check the schedule of events in the ad (below) for more information. Q. When did Artwalk start? A. Artwalk has been a fixture of Riverwest since 1979 (see the “Where Art Lives” column below, for early history). Q. When is Artwalk? A. Oct. 5 and 6 from 11-5 p.m. Q. Where can I get tickets, and how much do they cost? A. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at RAW as well as other designated sites (call 374-4722 for information). Q. What galleries and sites will be included in Artwalk? A. A wide variety of studios, homes, galleries, and alternative spaces throughout the Riverwest neighborhood will be included, as well as installations in neighborhood parks and green spaces. Q. How will I know where to go? A. A map of the sites will be provided with ticket purchase. Q. How can I get involved? A. If you are an artist who wants to participate, it only requires membership in RAA. General membership is $35, student and senior memberships are $20. If you operate a gallery or artists’ cooperative, a business membership in RAA is $60, which gives you the ability to exhibit many artists at your business site. Call soon if you are interested. All sites and artists must be determined well ahead of time to be included in the Artwalk map. Q. Anything special coming up for Artwalk this year? A. This year the Milwaukee County Parks has graciously allowed RAA to use the Gordon Park Pavilion for Artwalk. Look for an interesting exhibition and special events. Q. How can I find out more? A. If you have any questions or wish to participate, volunteer, or donate space for the event, please call 374-4722. Riverwest Currents – Volume 1 – Issue 8 – September 2002
by Mark Lawson