In an effort to gain support for the newly-formed area, businesses from the DiVine District, located on Vine Street between Erie Street and Skiff Street, are crafting an artwalk and sculpture dedication ceremony to be held on Friday, Sept 3.
The event, which will be between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., is not supposed to be a conventional artwalk in which pieces are sold, said Jackie Bertolette, owner of My Song Boutique, 37920 Vine St.
“It’s more of an art fest,” she said. “We’re not selling anything. We want people to see the art and see what’s new in Willoughby.”
Bertolette along with Rebecca MacMillan, who also owns My Song Boutique, came up with the idea and spent more than eight weeks planning it. The event was created to connect Vine Street businesses to nearby downtown Willoughby, instead of separating the areas.
“We wanted to explain to the city and residents what was happening in the area,” Bertolette said. “We thought the artwalk was the right way to do it.”
Merchants will be installing more than 20 original, permanent sculptures along the street to promote the district and “marry the historic charm of downtown with a modern, progressive feel”, she said. The pieces are being crafted by local businesses, organizations and individual artists.
In order to keep the sculptures from deteriorating, the artwork will be affixed to metal poles inserted into cement bases. During the winter, the pieces will be removed and replaced with snowflakes or other works of art.
“We were very specific to make the bases interchangeable for winter,” she said. “People put a lot of time and money for these pieces, and we want to take care of them.”
Although the main event will be the installation and presentation of the sculptures, other activities will be available. Spray U Tan, 37936 Vine St., will be decorating visitors with spray tattoos. Numerous giveaways, children’s crafts, giveaways and a community art project will be available.
Local artists are offering drawing, painting and sculpting demonstrations. Guitarists, banjos are other musicians will also be strolling up and down the area.
Event organizers were unable to shut down Vine Street for the first year of the artwalk, but they hope enough interest is generated to allow for street closure next year.
“I would like to see 3,000 people,” Bertolette said. “I hope families will be drawn. This event will allow children to grow.”
To see more details, visit:
http://www.thedivinedistrict.com
No related posts.
