WHYTE AVE. ART WALK Edmonton's Whyte Avenue Art Walk grew from a desire to bring art to the people. For three days every summer, artists and their art line the sidewalks of the historically and culturally rich Old Strathcona. The Art Walk is a great opportunity for artists and art lovers to converge in a friendly, relaxed setting. Since 1995, The Paint Spot has administered, sponsored, and supported the event, creating a raving success. Now, more than 200 artists mingle with an amazing 30,000 visitors. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk celebrates all aspects of the artistic process, from the creation to the display of art. Equally important, it celebrates the coming together of artists and their community. In fact, registered Art Walk artists are encouraged to bring their supplies and their ideas with them to make art right on site. This provides an exciting opportunity for artists and visitors alike to become involved with a variety of artistic methods, to converse, and to share ideas, inspiration, and mutual good will. For emerging artists, the Art Walk is a time to gain valuable feedback, build their client list, and raise their profile. A great learning experience, this event gives developing artists the opportunity to gain courage and challenge themselves by preparing a body of work to a deadline. It offers a welcoming environment where ideas are plentiful and professional development is available. Many participants have seen their careers move from amateur to full-time producing and selling artist. Supportive of established artists as well, the Art Walk showcases many professional best-sellers, and offers everyone the chance to meet and exchange ideas with them. Nurturing art patrons is a vitally important aspect of the Art Walk. Bringing the studio to the Avenue is an assertive way to promote visual artists. Pedestrians are exposed to a rare feast of diverse artistic ventures, and, if they are curious about what they see, they can strike up a conversation with the artists themselves. If they love what they see, the Art Walk gives them a more personal way of buying art, right from the artist! Many people buy their first piece of original art at the Art Walk, and many return each year to build their collection. Once an individual has some original artworks in their homes, we believe they will continue to collect art throughout their lives. An original experience, the Whyte Avenue Art Walk is a time to celebrate all aspects of visual art, from creation to display, to sharing ideas and inspiration. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of visual art as an artist or an art lover. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk runs annual mid-July. Visit www.art-walk.ca for more information.