Greensburg ArtsWalk coming back ‘bigger, better’
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The Greensburg ArtsWalk is coming back strong for a second year.
On April 27, painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers and artists working in various other mediums will disperse through downtown for a day of performances, exhibitions and other art activities.
As with any other respectable festival, there also will be food.
Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 2,000 visitors, says event organizer Kelli Brisbane, corporate engagement and event manager for the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, co-presenter of the ArtsWalk with The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
“We’ve taken that as proof that people want and like this event, so we’ve worked on taking it even further,” Brisbane says. “One of the big things we heard was that people wanted more food.”
Trekking around town to take everything in can work up an appetite, so visitors will find the Elegant Catering food truck, Barry’s Italian Ice and beverages at the trust’s Art in the Alley site. The Westmoreland’s Marchand Cafe will be open and the Steel City Chimneys food truck will be in the parking lot.
Local restaurants also will be offering food specials and hosting art displays, music and activities. Retailers, other businesses and nonprofits also will participate with discounts and special features.
The City of Greensburg will show its support in a number of ways, Brisbane says — perhaps most importantly to visitors by allowing free parking throughout the day.
Hours for the event are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., though hours for special features will vary by location.
Bigger and better
“Visual arts are a strong focus between the museum and Art in the Alley, so it’s really exciting again to be a part of this event highlighting the local arts community,” says Claire Ertl, director of marketing and public relations at The Westmoreland. “This year is even bigger and better.”
Most activities will take place within an area delineated by The Westmoreland, Greensburg Hempfield Area Library and Seton Hill University Arts Center. In total, 17 locations will be involved.
“Everywhere in between, there will be art happening,” Brisbane says.
ArtsWalk maps and wristbands will be available in the Westmoreland County Courthouse square at Main and Otterman streets.
“It’s really important for visitors to get a wristband, because that helps us track how many visitors we get,” Brisbane says.
Scheduled highlights include:
• Arts in the Alley: Live entertainment by Stage Right Sensations, Aubrey Burchell, Safety Last and more; art demonstrations; caricatures and face painting; children’s activities including print-making and scavenger hunt.
Community partners at the site will include Greensburg Art Center and Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival.
• Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Incubator for the Arts: Open studio hours with 10 artists.
• The Westmoreland: Live music, FitnessEnvi class, Modern Mobility Improv dance sessions, viewing of the featured exhibitions, “Mingled Visions” and “Family Tree Project.”
• Seton Hill University Arts Center: Open studio, senior student gallery shows, sticker workshop, sale of student art and 3-D printing, laser etching and foundry pour demonstrations.
• Greensburg Hempfield Area Library: Artwork by Janice Decker, read-a-thon and program on “Scots-Irish Heritage.”
• Greensburg Art Center: “Our Teaching Artists” exhibition, light refreshments.
• Caffe Barista: Wine glass-painting demonstration, live music.
• Dv8 Espresso Bar & Gallery: “Double Exposure” photography exhibition, live music.
• Major Stokes: Seton Hill student art exhibit.
• Pennsylvania Avenue parklet: Art activities.
• Pottery Playhouse: Free pottery sessions.
• The Rialto: Live art and music, drink specials on the patio.
• Serenity Bead Shop and Studio: Children’s jewelry craft, art exhibit.
• YWCA Thrift Shop: Display of Unity Poster Contest entries, free snacks and water, discounted merchandise.
Other participating merchants include Artisans of Hands & Heart, Beeghly & Co. Jewelers, Crossroads Boutique & Cattiva and McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate.
And for visitors wanting to linger downtown into the evening, more music will be available as the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” at 7:30 p.m. in The Palace Theatre.
For information or tickets, call 724-837-1850 or visit westmore landsymphony.org.
ArtsWalk details: greensburg artswalk.com