Downtown art walk to build off predecessor’s accomplishments
Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 28, 2018
- File Photo Chalk drawings were one of the eye-catching activities available during the inagurual art walk last year.
Capitalizing off recent activities within the community is the name of the game for the second installment of an event to take place in downtown Elizabethton.
Excitement from organizers continues to mount as the final pieces of preparation are underway for the second Downtown Elizabethton Art Walk — scheduled to take place Saturday, March 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout the city’s historic downtown atmosphere.
After last year’s inaugural run, Elizabethton Arts and Cultural Alliance (Elizalliance) founder Robert Benfield indicated the events could potentially group to multiple walks taking place during the year.
“We’ve received a tremendous amount of support with the local arts movement,” Benfield told the Elizabethton Star. “We have been able to use grant funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission to host these types of walks.”
Looking to build off last year’s event, the Elizalliance is partnering again with Blue River Studio, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, the East Tennessee Ballet Academy and Bonnie Kate Theater to offer a variety of activities throughout the day.
While some of last year’s attractions are set to return — street musicians, art demonstrations and chalk drawings — Benfield added the event is expanding its presence throughout downtown with more sidewalks being donned with different activities.
Since the creation of the Elizalliance, various projects have taken form. Elizabethton High School students have helped with downtown beautification with murals. The Elizalliance has also been working together with the Elizabethton IDEAS Group, along with city and county leaders, in a handful of projects across the community.
“It really has been a good time working together with everyone for the different projects,” Benfield said. “We’re going to continue seeking grant opportunities to fund events and activities. There have been letters of support coming in from businesses and residents, too. There’s an impact being made and we hope to continue it for the coming years.”
To learn more about the arts locally, visit www.elizalliance.org, the Elizabethton Arts and Cultural Alliance Facebook Page.
Blue River Studio also has a variety of events inside their business in downtown. Follow the business on Facebook or call (423) 213-5060 to learn more.