Art Walk returns to downtown Mount Airy

Downtown Mount Airy had a festival air on Saturday, with balloons scattered about the area designating locations for the return of the Art Walk.

It has been several years since the event was held, the last one was in 2019, but the event returned this year and found folks meandering the downtown and chatting with local artists, some of whom were working on new pieces of art.

The sun popped through the clouds intermittently as the regular pedestrian traffic of a weekend in downtown Mount Airy was supplemented by those seeking an encounter with art — and there were many to be had.

For some that meant asking about technique or paints and supplies, while others just browsed the art on display at the many stations along the way.

Sponsored by the Mount Airy Downtown Business Association and the Surry Arts Council with additional grant support from the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Art Walk presented a chance to meet, speak, and discuss the art with the artist.

Artists such as Carolyn Hoover who was in mid-brush stroke outside of Mayberry Trading Post — the picture of Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife, with Barney’s eye’s agog, peering down at her. She was a chatterbug with a local gentleman who stopped to chat as she worked on her painting. No due dates, deadlines, or purchaser waiting for a final product, Hoover was just able to take in the sights herself and move along at her own pace.

Amanda Goins’ art was set up on the sidewalk across the street from the Earle Theatre with a table full or her artwork featuring bright colors, a young girl was making a case to have a butterfly painting purchased for her. No update on whether that was a successful attempt at procuring art for that budding art aficionado.

Greg Arens had his paintings on display out front of Fancy Gap Outfitters and was in deep conversation with a pair of Art Walkers Saturday afternoon. As was the case at other stalls, while the talk may have started regarding one piece or another it tends to move toward the practice of art in general. One of Arens’ pieces, an oil painting called “Main St., Mount Airy” depicted a mix of the folks one may find in the downtown on a sunny Saturday.

The artists enjoyed a chance to meet new faces and show off their crafts while maybe selling a piece here or there. As was the case in so many aspects of life, the pandemic kept the Art Walk from the people who wanted to share their art and the ones who wanted to see it. Thankfully, those producing the art did not stop creating during those bleak days of lockdowns and uncertainty, a testament to the creative spirit of artists who survive in the face of obstacles.

Given the rate of participation this year, after a hiatus, it can be said the Art Walk made its successful return and set the stage for an even better event in 2025.