Arts!Longview’s ArtWalk Attracts 160 Plus Artists This Year

Arts! Longview’s ArtWalk attracts 160 plus artists. The community is invited to join Arts!Longview on Thursday, July 7, for the nonprofit organization’s summer ArtWalk. With more than 160 artists participating, this week’s event is set to be the largest in  ArtWalk’s 14-year history.

“In April, we set a record when more than 140 artists signed up to participate. For our summer ArtWalk, more than 160 artists have signed up, setting yet another record for our organization,” said Christina Cavazos, executive director of Arts!Longview. “In April, we experienced extremely windy conditions o the day of ArtWalk that prevented several of our outdoor artists from being able to set up. We’re hopeful that weather will be in our favor Thursday so the community can see even more of our talented artists.”
ArtWalk is a free, self-guided tour of downtown businesses exhibiting and selling art. The event pairs local artists with downtown businesses.
“ArtWalk continues to grow as more artists learn about this quarterly festival that allows them to showcase their work. But not only does ArtWalk benefit our artistic community, it also introduces new audiences to our local businesses downtown,” Cavazos said. “We hope those who attend Thursday will see all the great things downtown Longview has to offer and that they will become regular patrons of our local businesses.”
Cavazos said the April ArtWalk drew thousands of people downtown and she expects the same attendance this week.
“ArtWalk is great for our entire community as it brings us together to support the arts,” she said.
New businesses are participating in Thursday’s ArtWalk. For example, Joyful Noise Music Studio which recently opened at 208 N. Fredonia St. will be participating, Cavazos said. Woolley G’s, which opened earlier this year at 306 E. Tyler St., also has artists lined up.
In addition to artists, several musicians and food trucks also are scheduled to attend Longview’s ArtWalk.
ArtWalk is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 7, in downtown Longview. It is free to attend. For more information, visit www.artslongview.org or find Arts!Longview on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artslongview.