There’s no official word yet on whether Emporia First Friday will have a summertime Maker Art Walk — but if it happens, the first-ever Winter Maker Art Walk is a big reason why.
Instead of connecting artists to different business along Commercial Street, as has been the format now for years, First Friday organizers concentrated everybody inside the Radius Brewing production facility at 17 West Fourth and held the event two hours earlier than normal. First Friday Executive Director Kat Dorcas says the format change had a lot to do with winter weather.
Official turnout is pending, but Dorcas estimates upward of 300 people attended and interacted with 10 different artists — getting a chance to watch the artists create their pieces right in front of them. Dorcas says participating artists were pleased to be part of the new format, even if it was just for one time.
Art options ranged from ceramics to woodworking, fiber art, jewelry and printmaking. Attendees could also make their own prints and be part of a video “long portrait” project. Radius employees were also making beer during the event.
Dorcas says the February Art Walk will return to the traditional format. Artists and participating businesses will be announced before the Feb. 6 event.
