By Sara Hinkel
Emerson Eken Arts

The Emerson Eken Arts Steering Committee is hard at work planning the inaugural Emerson East/Eken Park Art Walk slated for Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 am–3 pm. The organization has an active web presence and welcomes artists and supporters to visit emersonekenarts.org for information about the upcoming event, ways to support, and to learn how artists can participate by registering online.

The effort to organize an Art Walk was initiated by Susan Kaye, a ceramic artist, because “there are so many artists in the Emerson East and Eken Park neighborhoods, and I wanted to get to know them.” Planning an Art Walk emerged as one way to connect artists, while “giving us all a convenient, low-cost way to show and sell the things we make,” according to Kaye.

A group of neighborhood residents gathered to research similar events and created their shared vision for an inclusive event. In addition to neighborhood artists, residents of both neighborhoods are encouraged to host artists located beyond neighborhood boundaries.

Enthusiasm for the Art Walk resulted in the formation of Emerson Eken Arts, an all-volunteer organization created for the purpose of establishing the Art Walk as an annual event and maintaining ongoing connections in the support of the visual arts. “I like how it’s connecting these adjacent neighborhoods and bringing art lovers in to appreciate all of the talent that is here,” said Kaye.

Steering Committee member and freelance graphic designer Charlotte Easterling has given the effort a major boost using her prior experience helping promote events like Gallery Night, Art Fair on the Square and Chroma. “I’m excited about this opportunity to showcase the artistic talent in our neighborhoods. I’m looking forward to adding our event to the lineup of Art Walks this year,” said Easterling.

Registration for artists to participate in the Art Walk remains open until Aug. 1. Those interested in supporting the event by making a donation or volunteering their time are welcome and encouraged to provide their contact information via the website (emersonekenarts.org). Every dollar will directly support the costs associated with this year’s Art Walk event, as well as future events planned by Emerson Eken Arts.