Shop and Explore at ArtWalk May 18









May 10, 2017

Shop and Explore at ArtWalk May 18

Contact:
Susie Salisbury, Vice President of Community Development
304-340-4253 ; ssalisbury@charlestonareaalliance.org


More than two dozen downtown Charleston shops and galleries will open their doors into the evening for ArtWalk 5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 18.

“Downtown Charleston ArtWalk supports local community and economic development by creating opportunities for galleries, small businesses and artists,” said Susie Salisbury, the Alliance’s vice president of community development.  
 
The Masters Law Firm has sponsored ArtWalk for several years and the firm’s support has been instrumental in helping the program grow.
 
Following ArtWalk, the Clay Center will host Art After Dark! Until 9:30 p.m. At this ArtWalk after-party, The Juliet Art Museum transforms into a hot spot of activity and entertainment with live music, activities and art. Visitors experience after-hours access to current exhibitions at this free event.
 
This month’s featured ArtWalk exhibits include:
 
Romano & Associates:  The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network (WVCAN) will host its Fifth Annual Silent Art Auction at the Romano Gallery. The donated artwork will be a variety of media, and the proceeds will be split 50/50 with half going to the artist and half going to benefit services to child abuse victims in West Virginia. The Art Auction is sponsored by Romano & Associates.
 
Charleston Ballet:  Wanda Petunia is a pig on a mission to inspire self-care and self-love. She's a muse to many through her books, plush toys, sewing collective, and workshops. Wanda will be sharing love and wearing her tutu with the Charleston Ballet at May's ArtWalk! Come color, sew, create and have fun!  Wanda's creator Amy J. Williams and friends of Wanda will be on hand to share and support your journey!! If you have a Wanda plushie, bring her and get a tutu too!!
 
Capitol Conference Center:  Some of the world's most famous paintings will be on display at the Capitol Conference Center during the May 18 Downtown Charleston ArtWalk. The iconic works by Renoir, Raphael, Diego Rivera, Georges Seurat, Grant Wood, Winslow Homer, John Trumbull and Bezhad are coming to Charleston through a unique collaboration between seven area photographers, artists, and students from Mountaineer Montessori School. Through a project called "Montessori Masterpieces," students ages 3-14 staged eight living paintings in the community, which were captured digitally by volunteer photographers. The final images were transformed into canvas paintings by a fine art production house. The partnership was part of a year-long celebration of "Education in Living Color" at Mountaineer Montessori School.

The Art Store:   During the May 18th ArtWalk, The Art Store will feature a solo show by renowned southern painter Larry Leach. “Larry Leach: Sublime Light” will exhibit landscape paintings of West Virginia and other southern locations, in oil on canvas, from May 13th through June 30th.
In his most recent body of work, utilizing the atmospheric texture of oil paint, Leach presents striking views of the first strong light of dawn to the last strong rays of sunset which rake across the landscape. Many of the paintings draw upon the sky, ocean, beach and grasses, presenting the horizontal and vertical movements of reflecting light and shadow. These vistas are not peopled; there is no indication of the human touch except for the occasional dirt road. 

Virginia Lee:   ­­­­ Join us as we celebrate our 2 year anniversary during May 18th ArtWalk! Jordan Dotson of Sugar Momma Sweets will have her gorgeous cookies available for sale, free samples, and will be doing a live cookie demonstration! (Demonstration Times TBA). 
 
Delfines:   Delfine's Jewelry will be hosting Sarah Taylor and Denise Erwin for May's ArtWalk. Sarah Taylor is a calligrapher and mixed media artist from Charleston, WV. She is a member of Allied Artists of WV and the Charleston Calligraphers Guild. Denise Erwin is a calligrapher and book artist from Hurricane, WV. She is the President of the Charleston Calligraphers Guild and teaches classes monthly.
 
Art Emporium:  Emily Roles is an artist from Charleston, WV who has been represented by the Art Emporium for the past 10 years.  Emily is also a juried member of the Allied Artist of West Virginia, and a member of the WV Chapter of the National League of Pen Women.  Her most recent works include bright abstracts and her whimsical scenery.  Emily works predominately in acrylics and has exhibited throughout the state for more then 30 years.
 
Clay Center POP UP Exhibit : Structures The Clay Center is partnering with Riggs Commercial Reality for May’s  ArtWalk to bring you unexpected art experiences in a variety of downtown locations. This month we are exhibiting site-specific artwork in an unexpected place, a former fitness center located at 205 Capitol Street! Stop by and see a large installation grow out of the architecture and help you see this property in a whole new light! 
 
For a full list of venues participating, visit artwalkcwv.com.