ArtWalk Longmont Summer on the Streets is over for this year and the Firehouse Art Center is looking forward to May and the next ArtWalk Festival.
ArtWalk Longmont began in 1996 as a monthly gallery hop sponsored by local arts organizations, galleries, businesses and the media. It has grown since then to the major event of Longmont’s art and culture calendar. This year was different and the Longmont Downtown Development Authority, the Firehouse and other supporters changed the format to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. The revamped event became a summer-long weekly outdoor series that featured artists, musicians and more taking to Main Street on Saturday afternoons.
As part of the weekly series, artists took chalk in hand on Sept. 5 to take advantage of the recently increased pedestrian space on Main Street. Fifteen artists each worked in a sidewalk square about 20 feet away from other artists. And while the public couldn’t get involved in the chalk art creation, they could vote for their favorite works on the Firehouse Facebook and Instagram pages. Voter turnout was “awesome” and capped a good day of fine weather, beautiful art and wonderful music, according to the Firehouse.
And who were the winners?
The first place jury winner was Jon Fukuda and he received $100 gift card sponsored by the Firehouse Art Center for his chalk work of sea creatures almost floating on the concrete sidewalk. Julie Tu won first place in the People’s Choice competition for a portrait, receiving a $100 gift card sponsored by Longmont Downtown Development Authority. Tu also won the Jury's Choice Award for skill in materials and won a one-year artist membership to the Firehouse Art Center. Catherine Bruning was the jury's choice for creativity in composition and received a jewelry piece donated by Grace Bullock of Thunder and Wind Design.
The Sidewalk Summer Series may be over, but the Firehouse Gallery, 667 Fourth Ave., will still be promoting local artists throughout the year. It is looking for weekend gallery “art sitters” on Saturdays to will greet guests and make sure the gallery and the art look their best for walk-in traffic. People interested in being art sitters can email Firehouse Executive Director Elaine Waterman at [email protected].
Julie Tu puts the final touches on her piece at the Longmont Main Street Chalk Art Festvial on Sept. 5. Tu was the People's Choice Award winner.(Photo by Matt Hagerman)
