Local artists want to remind residents there’s more than restaurants to explore on the weekend.
Every other Friday, the Peter Street Arts District hosts an Art Walk, during which Peter Street is closed to traffic from Colborne to Mississaga streets.
“The arts district gets dismissed sometimes. We are here,” said Molly Farquharson, owner of Hibernation Arts, who helps organize the Art Walk.
The event sees artists bring their work onto the street. While the turnout has been increasing since the Art Walk began, artists would like to see more people stop by before or after enjoying dinner or drinks on a nearby patio.
“If people could buy art, we could afford to eat on the patios,” Farquharson said with a laugh.
The final Art Walk of the season will take place Aug. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers expect there will be more artists on the street and there could be interactive opportunities for kids.
Farquharson wants people to spread the word to help ensure the Art Walk series goes out with a bang.
“We’re trying to toot our own horns, but we need others to help us toot them,” she said.
Lucia McGarvey, who owns The Shadow Box, said she understands art might not be at the top of someone’s shopping list right now, but she noted there are many affordable pieces for sale, and any purchase helps artists who have been struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s really important that (restaurants) have this opportunity, but other small businesses need the community’s support,” she said. “If people are enjoying time on a patio, they can consider meandering into the arts district.”
McGarvey encourages people to check out the Aug. 21 Art Walk, even if they don’t purchase anything.
“Even positive comments to the artists go a long way,” she said.
