August 2011 - First Friday ArtWalk

First Friday ArtWalk
By Michelle Smythe

There’s a fantastic event happening right here in our own backyard and it’s breathing new life into Downtown Corpus Christi.  ArtWalk is not to be missed!  Held on the First Friday of every month with estimated attendance at 2700, ArtWalk continues to highlight the exceptional talent of our local artists and musicians.   

ArtWalk has grown to include more than 65 venues opening their doors for the event.  Downtown businesses feature art, music, refreshments, specials and discounts.  The event begins and ends in La Retama Park where visitors will find artists and food vendors, live music, Kid’s Art Corner and an all around festive atmosphere.  La Retama Park is located at the triangle between Mesquite, Peoples and Schatzel Streets.  Live music in September will be provided by Get Off the Lawn bluegrass band.  

Art Museum of South Texas, Asian Cultures Museum and Museum of Science and History are now participating in ArtWalk.  To get there, just catch the ArtWalk Express, a bus graciously provided by The Regional Transportation Authority that transports ArtWalkers to the far-reaching venues of ArtWalk, like the museums, Yachting Center, Art Center of Corpus Christi and Tango Tea Room. 

The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures is featuring a new mixed media artwork by local artist Antonio “Tony” Armadillo.  The work combines Japanese sentiments towards nature with Armadillo’s serene yet powerful interpretation of the most recent tragic occurrences in Japan.  Two master wood-block print artists, Katsushika Hokusai and Ando Hiroshige are reflected in Armadillo’s representation of the recent tragedy of March 11, 2011. The work is on display August 5 – September 2, 2011.

The Art Museum of South Texas has two wonderful exhibits on display.  Beyond Shared Language: Contemporary Art and the Latin American Experience includes works by 14 artists of Latin American-descent (from North, Central and South America). The exhibition explores issues relating to cultural identity, ethnicity, religion and both the fragility and fluidity of their visual language. Also on view is Dorothy Hood:  Exploring Scale.  Dorothy Hood, born and raised in Bryan, Texas, lived in Houston for much of her life.  This exhibition presents a look at Hood’s large-scale paintings that were influenced by the wide-open Texas skies and NASA’s space exploration program.   Entrance to the Art Museum of South Texas on ArtWalk night is free.   

In Water St. Market, the Treehouse Art Collective LLC is celebrating their One Year Anniversary with featured art work by all six core members:  Sherry Bercaw, Pat Conway, Ellen Fehrenkamp, Gloria Hunter, Melinda Ramos and Kathy Wagner.  This is a beautiful shop with some truly original treasures. 

The Art Center of Corpus Christi opens new exhibitions by John Williams, Maricela Sanchez and Cliff Welty, as well as works by the painting students of Lynn Dickey and
Vicki Marshall. 

At K Space Contemporary, don’t’ miss the Shockingly Spectacular Super September Salon, a giant floor-to-ceiling art sale.  K Space is turning its walls over to artists from all over the region and letting them cram as much art into the space as possible.   There will be some excellent deals on artwork here!

Peace of Mind is hosting two special guests during the September ArtWalk.  Rebecca DeLeon will  offer unique jewelry, mystical oils, crystals and incense, and Rebecca Flores will provide Angel Card readings and Ask Your Guide card readings.   Peace of Mind will also be doing massage in La Retama Park.

While traveling about Downtown, be sure to pick up raffle tickets at each ArtWalk location. Bring the tickets back to La Retama Park by 8:45 and put them in the raffle drum for a chance to win some great prizes. The drawing will be held at 9 pm.  Prizes include gift certificates, door prizes, and the grand prize – an original work of art by a local artist.  ArtWalkers must be present to win.

The DTown Tram continues to transport ArtWalkers to centrally located venues in the heart of Downtown with HOBO aboard to entertain the crowds playing their special blend of “Honkadelica”.  Both the RTA ArtWalk Express and the DTown Tram connect at La Retama Park every 30 minutes.  

For ArtWalk maps and general info, look for ArtWalk Ambassadors wearing bright orange shirts. Some are on Segways (thanks to SegCity), and some are stationed at key locations around Downtown.  ArtWalk maps are also available on the ArtWalk Tram, at the DMD booth in La Retama Park, the Art Center, K Space and Water Street Center. Free parking is available and all venues are near favorite Corpus Christi eateries.  Admission is FREE.  

For continuing updates, check out the ArtWalk website www.artwalkcc.com and sign up for the email newsletter to receive our monthly flyer announcing new ArtWalk events!  You can also join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artwalkcc.

ArtWalk is organized by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteer or a participant in the ArtWalk, or have any art related business, suggestions or ideas in regard to the ArtWalk, contact Alan Albin, Downtown Management District (alanalbin@dtowncc.com, 882-2363). To become a vendor in La Retama Park contact Michelle Smythe of K Space Contemporary, info@kspacecontemporary.org.