Emporia’s First Friday Artwalk hit an impressive milestone this weekend.
The artwalk hosted its 100th event Friday in the dowtown corridor with another impressive lineup of artists at various locations downtown as well as a special “EFF Art Walk Through The Years” exhibit at the Lyon Couty History Center, limited edition t-shirts and a special party at Mulready’s Pub. The festivities also included a special co-exhibit titled “Labor of Love,” created by First Friday founders Kaila Mock and Joel Smith.
Mock, during an interview on KVOE’s Morning Show Friday, had trouble putting the milestone into words, saying she had never thought about the achievement unti they reached it.
Smith says they knew the artwalk was something that would have a large amount of support, but they never dreamed it would grow as large as it has.
The first arwalk took place in November of 2016 and has welcomed hundreds of local and regional artists throughout its existence to the downtown corridor. Marketing Director Kat Dorcas says the event has become a true staple in the community, calling it more than just an art show but rather a connection builder for all involved.
In total, the event saw more than 130 passports turned in, with over 300 individuals passing through the history center alone, according to Dorcas. This has been a great year for the artwalk as in addition to hosting its 100th show Friday, EFF also received the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Award earlier this year.
Photos courtesy of Emporia First Friday
