[NEohioPAL] Lakewood ArtWalk Season Starts Saturday, June 13, 2009

[Ruth Koenigsmark]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Ruthie Koenigsmark, President of Lakewood is Art
P:  216.521.2894 or E:  rkoenigsmark at yahoo.com




LAKEWOOD ARTWALK
WALK THE SIDEWALKS OF MADISON AVENUE EVERY SECOND SATURDAY.
JUNE 13, JULY 11, AUGUST 8, SEPTEMBER 12, OCTOBER 10, 2009, 12–8 PM
 
June 4, 2009, Lakewood, Ohio…Artists and art lovers again will fill the sidewalks and businesses of Madison Avenue on second Saturdays starting June 13th at Noon.  The ArtWalk is jointly produced by MAMA (Madison Avenue Merchants Association) and LIA (Lakewood is Art).  Committee Members from these organizations worked together to give the community an opportunity to gain exposure to the various arts that is abundant in our area. 
 
What’s new this season is that the Lakewood ArtWalk will be running second Saturdays from June to October.  Visitors will have the opportunity to take in a plethora of art forms, including visual and performance from some of the most sought after artists in the area. 
The Lakewood ArtWalk was designed to increase positive exposure for participating local artists, organizations and area businesses, as well as further establish Madison Avenue as a vibrant and evolving neighborhood with a meaningful connection to arts and culture.  “For many reasons, Madison Avenue has remained under appreciated for some time.  What has been great for me personally is witnessing city resources and area residents discovering all the value and reachable opportunities it possesses.  Monthly art walk events will give Madison businesses the perfect venue to connect with community”, says Mel Page, President of MAMA.
 
There is no cost to artists or businesses to participate in the ArtWalk, which Carabel Beauty Shop owner, Bonnie Fencl says she sees as “a real plus in this economy, and makes it possible for everyone to participate.”  However, this event would not be made possible without the extra help of sponsors that include Gray’s Auction House, Shamrock Restaurant & Tavern, Wobblefoot Gallery, Lakewood Observer, Nationwide Insurance of Lakewood, Hobart’s Health Foods, Connie’s Classics, Vance Music Studios, Manja and Carabel Beauty Salon.  
 
“Artwalk attendees will once again see eclectic, vibrant local art in some non-traditional places like Iggy’s, for example, that will host artists from Family Haven a non-profit offering support to people with disabilities, The Phoenix Project that will host archeology and Egyptology based art by Mona Gazala along with readings from several local poets; and bela dubby will host the painting of legendary rock musicians by Artist, Michael Heasley who just finished work on two of Lakewood’s new recycle bins,” Ruth Koenigsmark, LIA President, said.   
 
Traditional galleries like Wobblefoot Gallery will host additional artists’, live music and a reception.  The Pop Shop will have an opening reception for their new art show and an after party, next door at Mullens.  
 
Dancers will perform Ballet and Hip Hop at Silhouette Dance Studio, to belly dancers at Carabel Beauty Salon and tango dancers at El Tango Taqueria will offer points of artistic movement throughout the day. There will be some amazing musical performances at Vance Music Studios, from students of all ages.   
 
Lakewood is Art will also be spreading the word about their upcoming fundraiser, the Afterwood Artswap after the July Artwalk on the11th at Mars Bar and Wooblefoot Gallery. This funky soiree will offer artists and art lovers the chance to swamp out a piece of art for another. On the Auction block will be the very collectible, Blenko Glass.  There is a $10 fee to attend and proceeds from the event will benefit the many programs Lakewood is Art develops and supports. 
 
Artists and Madison Business Owners who are not yet participating are still invited to participate.     For more information about the Lakewood ArtWalk series, to print an artwalk map and to find out what Lakewood is Art has up it’s sleeve, go to www.artwoodohio.org.  Also, a sort Artwalk video created by LIA member, Phil Florian, can be found on YouTube.
   
 
 




      
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