1. IT'S A WELCOME BREAK IN A LONG WINTER
Valentine's and Family Day are behind us and spring seems a distant dream. Who couldn't use a nice pick-me up event in this cold-alert dotted, snow-mountain filled winter?
2. THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Event coordinator Megan Pickersgill notes, "There's a working blacksmith, a guitar maker, and an intricate installation entitled 'Forest' at the Elgin County Railway Museum, just to name a few."
3. YOU CAN BE PART OF A CREATIVE "BUZZ"
Artists, it seems, are driven mostly by a passion to create and develop their talents. But the chance to share can also provide a welcome boost to their artistic energies. There’s been quite the buzz about the event on Facebook from many of the participating artists – this is your chance to be part of that buzz.
Laura Woermke, Executive Director of the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, agrees that the event helps practicing artists to bridge a gap with their audience. “Artists tend to work in solitude and don’t always have a marketing plan for their work, so an event like this gives them an opportunity to be visible and part of a larger group”, said Woermke.
4. IT'S A LOCAL EXPERIENCE
The crawl will provide plenty of opportunities to meet local artists and to experience the pleasure of learning something about the person and story behind work that engages you. That connection might just make you eager to own a piece of local art for your home.
For artist Katelyn Tippin, who works in media such as water colour, acrylic, oil and lino print making, the event is a unique chance to meet the public. "What’s exciting about the Arts Crawl is getting to interact with everyone in the public, showing them behind the scenes how my art is made and answering their questions. It’s a great chance to show people the type of work I make”.
5. THERE'S A PARTY!
The grand finale is a party at the Midtown with tempting appetizers, music, artists, “crawlers” – AND FIREWORKS.
6. HAPPENINGS LIKE THE CRAWL HELP BUILD COMMUNITY AND A CREATIVE CULTURE
Discovering, appreciating and celebrating our “creative assets” helps build a culture of creativity. And that is widely touted as being not only good for heart and soul but also good for the economy.
7. IT'S FREE AND THERE'S A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES
Free is always a nice bonus – you can take in as much or little of the “Crawl” as you like at no cost. There is an added incentive, however, to visiting more sites. If you have your passport stamped at ten of them you are eligible to win some pretty awesome pri. zes
8. IT'S A CHANCE TO SEE ART IN A DYNAMIC & UNUSUAL WAY
Seeing art in a variety of settings adds another dimension and a dynamic aspect to the event that is likely to be exciting for both artists and “crawlers”. It’s also a chance to check out some pretty cool buildings (several of them heritage) you may not have visited before. Even the Railway Museum will turn into an art venue with installation, video, sculpture and interactive work along the theme of Forest, against the backdrop of historic trains and local relics. Friday’s show opening at the museum will also feature the live beats of DJ Blue Eyez.
9. THERE'S FOOD TOO
Some of the stops will also serve up tasty accompaniments (food and/or drink) to your art experience and you’ll find plenty of other foodie possibilities along the route. On Friday at the Railway Museum, Paul Jenkins will be on site as The Royal Tree Beaver, offering his unique brand of “Canadian-Canadian” food. Railway City Brewing's tap room will be open. On Saturday evening, Yoda’s catering will be serving up some of her delectable appetizers at the Midtown.
10. THE 2ND ANNUAL CRAWL IS BIGGER & BETTER
There are more happenings than in 2014 and, most importantly, lots more artists. “This year we have more artists – 40 confirmed –so we have already doubled our participants compared to last year” says Megan. That’s forty more reasons to do the “Crawl”. Better make that a steady crawl – you won’t want to miss any of it.
The 2015 Railway City Arts Crawl runs Fri Feb 27th from 6-9pm and Sat Feb 28th from 11am-5pm. “Fire in February” fireworks downtown starts Saturday at 6:30pm with excellent viewing from the Roadhouse to Ross Street. Saturday Night Celebration starts 7pm at the Midtown Tavern. Find more information at www.railwaycityartscrawl.com