On the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 6th Ave, across from the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, you can find a small pocket of artists gathering and sharing their talents. From paint pouring, to crystals, chakra paintings and watercolor portraits, the cozy holiday Art Walk was buzzing with creativity despite the inclement weather looming over South Florida.
The Art Walk Wilton Manors is actually hosted by the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, which looks to showcase and promote all local artists within their unique community. Also in coordination with the non-profit organization, Artist’s United, they were proud to represent their members who demonstrated the talent of the local LBGTQ community.
Pre-Christmas Weekend Filled With Art and Good Vibes
With a total of 7 Artists including Heidi Duane Art, Art in Oakland Park, MoonDragon, LLC and ViolStones and a live vocalist, Lenora Jaye, singing classic holiday tunes, the energy was pure and peaceful on this pre-Christmas weekend. It was a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the season and chaos that can sometimes overshadow the goodness that this holiday is meant to represent.
Toni, a representative of Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, was excited to say that this art walk was their biggest yet. Over the last year, they have only grown and look forward to 2020 as an opportunity to promote and highlight the flourishing community of local artists in Wilton Manors and neighboring cities . They encourage artists to join them as they grow for future art walks (with free or minimal vendor fees), and to contact them through Facebook to promote any events or opportunities the artists themselves may be involved in. They truly look to boost up local creatives, both through events like the Art Walk and online by marketing and spreading the word to a broader audience through social media.
A Great Opportunity to Discover New Artists
Heidi Duane was one of the artists that braved the drizzle for the chance to share her acrylic paintings. She is based in Hollywood, FL and has only started to share her work in local markets recently. This was her first time participating in the Wilton Manors Art Walk and looks forward to finding more opportunities to share and promote her work. You can find her online at Heidi Duane Art on Facebook.
One of the highlights of the night was the sweet voice of Lenora Jaye singing classics like “All I want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. Not only did she deliver every song with clarity and a wonderful easy-on-the-ears tone, she had a beautifully joyous spirit. She truly captured the holiday vibe and spread that joy as easily as sharing a smile. She performs regularly at Georgie’s Alibi, located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors on Sundays and Tuesdays. She is also on Instagram and Facebook, so follow her for details on her upcoming performances.
An Art Walk to Oakland Park
While this budding artwalk is still in the learning stages by comparison to more established arts events like MASS District’s Art walk, every last Saturday of the month, or the Downtown Hollywood Artisan Market, every third Saturday, the passion to create a hotspot for the local art scene is clearly evident. James, Lead Coordinator for the event and also with Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, has seen this art walk steadily grow within the last 4 months and works to cross market with the local restaurants and businesses in the area so that their regular clients become aware that Wilton Manors is one of the next hub for Artists of all backgrounds to share and support each other.
Be sure to like the Art Walk Wilton Manors Facebook page and the Wilton Manors Entertainment. And be sure to follow Living In Oakland Park and join our group on Facebook for the latest art events in OP.
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