“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is a process, working together is a success,” Henry Ford said. And an opportunity arose….
A recent Art Walk survey confirmed that attendees crave a stronger concentration of art. To enhance the art offerings, draw more people and keep this 9-year-old event fresh, partnerships are essential. Earlier this year, we approached AIGA (formerly known as American Institute of Graphic Artists) to join forces, and it turns out we go together like pencils and erasers.
Members of AIGA’s Jacksonville Chapter have participated in past Art Walks through an event called “Atomic Sketch.” Illustrators and designers create works of art in a live setting. Pieces are available for sale on site at affordable prices (anywhere from $5 – $50) and a portion of the proceeds benefit AIGA’s design mentoring program, Discover Design.
People love watching these artists at work. They also love affordable art for a good cause. So we wondered, why not have “Atomic Sketch” take over Art Walk? We approached AIGA board members Karen Kurycki and Jim Ward with the idea to hold a “Draw Your HeART Out” Art Walk in February.
Right away, Karen and Jim went to work recruiting talent while DVI assisted with signing up venues. This matchmaking resulted in 14 feature “Atomic Sketch” venues showcasing more than 45 AIGA artists. A marketing-savvy group, AIGA has launched a full promotions assault, from socials to social media. In addition to producing their own flyers, Karen and Jim created a limited edition sketch-tastic Art Walk Map, available at all participating Art Walk locations.
Thanks to dedicated partners such as AIGA, Art Walk will continue to bring the community together to celebrate art and Downtown. The “Draw Your HeART Out” Art Walk lifts off Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 5-9 p.m. If you are interested in partnering with Art Walk, please contact Art Walk Manager Liz Grebe.
Venues Hosting Atomic Sketch: 1904 Music Hall, Brazilian Corner, Chamblin’s Uptown, Daniel James Salon, Hemming Plaza, The Jacksonville Bank, The Jacksonville Landing, Olio, Perdue, Inc., Pho. A Noodle Bar, Quizno’s Subs, The Art Center Cooperative, Inc. II (TAC II), Underbelly and Visit Jacksonville
AIGA Artists: Nayhal Adhyaru, Chelsea Alford, Greg Ausum, Molly Brown, Kristina Cancelmi, Kyle Cannon, Sean Collins, Jen Cone, Jose Cruz-Figueroa, Bri Cunha, Karen Dessire, Abraham Dexter, Katy Garrison, Jamie Lynn Galley, Andy Gattis, Henry Gonzales, Margete Griffin, Ed Hall, Tim Hartman, Nikki Haywood, Eric Hinote, Chrissy Hufford, Bryan Hunt, Heather Ivy, Mitch Kelly, Karen Kurycki, Chad Landenberger, Amanda Langenbach, Ian Latchmansingh, Yvonne Lozano, Ferdie Martinez, Argie Mitra, Armando Mitra, Brett Mosher, Melissa Pierce, Amy Pomar, Russel Quadros, Caitlin Robinson, Varick Rosete, Jesse Sison, Stephanie Soden, Nick Villalva, Jim Ward, Drew White, Ben Windsor, Ashon Wynn, Laura Bearl, Steve Miller, Martin Moore