The City of Tyler Main Street Department continues its efforts to establish Downtown as an arts hub as preparations are made for the first-ever Downtown ArtWalk. The event is set for Friday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the downtown area.
“The premise of an ArtWalk is simple,” said Tyler Main Street Department Director Beverly Abell. “Basically, downtown businesses open their space to artists to display their work for one night, and together they invite the public to view the art and visit the businesses.”
In addition to the artwork, there will be street performers, refreshments at some sites, arts demonstrations and other activities, Abell said.
The Downtown Tyler ArtWalk is being organized by the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition (DTAC), an all-volunteer cadre of artists under the umbrella of the Main Street Program. Local artist Joan Iverson is chairman of the ArtWalk event.
Abell said the group hopes to have at least a dozen different arts sites for the public to visit. Those who would like to participate in the ArtWalk as an artist, street performer or host should go to the DTAC website, www.downtowntylerarts.com, and click on the ArtWalk logo to see applications and detailed information. Deadline for application is Nov. 23.
The Downtown Tyler ArtWalk will operate alongside another new event, a Candlelight Walk to benefit FitSTEPS for Life, a free exercise program for cancer patients. The program is under the auspices of the Cancer Foundation for Life.
The walk begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4 and will work its way through a path on the west side of the downtown area.
Registration forms are available at www.fitstepsforlife.org and at the event. Both teams and individuals may enter. More information on the Candlelight Walk is available at (903) 561-0149.