Edmonton's Whyte Ave Art Walk

One of the things I quickly discovered on moving to Edmonton is that this city is just bursting with incredibly talented and creative people! Visual artists, writers, actors on stage and film and music of all genres - all of these and more. It seemed like everywhere I turned, I was meeting some other fabulously talented person or group!

Nowhere is this talent showcased as accessibly or enthusiastically as at the Whyte Ave Art Walk. Held on the second weekend of July, the 2012 Art Walk covered 14 city blocks and two parks, making up a 4 km (more then 2 miles) walking tour, and featured almost 400 artists and artist groups. Beginning on Friday, it's three days of opportunity for artists and art lovers alike.

2012 was the third year my daughter has been selling her work at this event, and she plans to come back every year for as long as she is able. She's met some wonderful fellow artists, made some great contacts in the art industry, and had the pleasure of talking to some of the most fascinating visitors - and, yes, selling her work, too! It's an amazing event.

Unless otherwise stated, the photos below were taken by me on the first day of 2012 Art Walk, using a Nikon D80 with an 18-55mm lens.

(Follow the Artwalk on Facebook, to keep up to date)

Art Walk History, and the amazing people that make it happen

I can't talk about the Art Walk without first talking about the amazing people who make it happen. Top of the list is The Paint Spot, the wonderful staff working there and, most especially, Kim Fjorbotten. She's just amazing! Kim has been involved with the Art Walk from the start, first as a manager of the store with then-owner, Tom Nolt, and now as the owner herself. The event has grown from 35 artists in its first year, 1995, to over 400 artists in 2011!

There were a lot of growing pains over the years, and many things learned. They had to develop a few rules and restrictions to make the event the showcase of original art it is today. Among these is a 60% original art requirement, which allows for a limited number of prints. There can be no mass produced items or resellers. Artists are also expected, as much as possible for their medium, to be working on their art during the event. The organizers provide an amazing amount of support, advice and information for the artists. I just can't say enough good things about them all!

Of course, I can't forget to mention the amazing volunteers that keep things running smoothly. Not only do they keep things maintained, provide information and hand outs and answer visitor questions, they will also stay with artist displays as needed, giving them 15 minute breaks - essential for artists who are on their own. No artist wants to have to leave the fruits of their labour unattended - not even for the call of nature!

It takes an army of people to keep an event like this running smoothly, and they are greatly appreciated!

In Edmonton, Whyte Ave is that street. You know the one! Every city has one. It's the street, and the neighbourhood surrounding it, that has the most unique shops, independant theatres, services, restaurants, bars, events, and where the most ... interesting ... people can be found! The Art Walk takes place in a stretch of Whyte Ave called Old Strathcona. There is a lot of Edmonton history here, too!

Edmonton has a numerical street system, so Whyte Ave is also 82nd Ave. Many of the artists are set up on sidewalks along both sides of Whyte Ave, a number of side streets, plus there are spots in Iron Horse Park and Wilbert McIntyre Park (also called Gazebo Park). For 2012, a block of 105 St was closed down as well. The park areas have 10' x 10' spaces available for those artists that have tents.

The map shows a number of areas where there is parking available. There is also meter parking, and there are quite a number of buses that run through the area, as well.

Art is in the eye of the beholder, but out of necessity, Art Walk organizers have had to place some limitations.

The most important thing about the art you'll see is that it is original art, with the exception of a limited number of prints of original art. Any photography has to be modified in some way to make it original art. Crafts are not included.

(Update for 2015: On the Spot Pop Ups is now an option for crafters to take part as well.)

So what types of art will you find? More then I can list, but I'll give it a go!

You will, of course, find fine art paintings. Kari Fell, pictured here, is one of my favorite artists. She works mostly in acrylics, as well as watercolor. You'll also find oil, watercolor and airbrushed paintings, and quite a few that mix techniques.

Here are a few types of art, art materials and techniques I saw this year:

Mirror mosaics, as wall hangings, objects and sculptures

Soapstone carvings

Plastic cut into shapes that were layered to create a flat, yet dimensional, image

Metal sculptures

Collage

Painted or printed fabric and clothing items

Charcoal, pencil and marker drawings

Glass

Antlers (I don't know if they were real)

Found objects

Hand crafted jewelry using a variety of materials

Digital art

And then there were the mixed medium pieces that just don't fit into any one category!

As all the artists are expected to be working on pieces during the three days (at least as much as their type of art allows - obviously, no one was going to be welding metal sculptures on site!), visitors get a first hand look at how the art is produced, and talk directly to the artists about their methods, their inspiration or whatever else comes to mind. This is a great way to learn just how much time and effort goes into the pieces produced!

Of course, I can't talk about the Art Walk without mentioning my daughter! 2012 was her third year participating, and it's been an amazing experience. She works primarily in watercolour, and you can see scanned images of her paintings on her DeviantArt page. I am so very proud of her!

... or adding to it.

It's been a great pleasure talking to Kim Fjorbotten and the wonderful staff at The Paint Spot about the Art Walk. There is so much interesting background!

One thing I learned really fascinated me. A lot of people have said that they bought their first piece of art ever at the Art Walk, and that most of them went on to become life-long collectors of original art. Many also come back every year, seeking out their favourite artists to add to their collection.

One thing to remember when buying art is that the artists there are not just artists - they are business people, too! Their prices have to reflect the cost of materials as well as the time and effort it took to make the finished pieces. Some artists travel to events like this throughout the summer months, as it's their primary source of income. Others present their work for sale only once a year at the Whyte Ave Art Walk. Collecting art isn't just for the wealthy, but be aware that producing art is hard work.

Would I recommend this event?

Yes, absolutely! The sheer variety of art styles is amazing, and there's sure to be something to appeal to all tastes and budgets. It's wonderful to be able to talk to the artists one-on-one, and support some amazingly talented people. It is well worth taking the time to check out.

For budding artists, this is also a great venue to begin showing your work - many artists began their professional careers here! Not only is this a great place for individuals to collect original art for their personal use, many corporate buyers pick up original art to decorate their offices and public spaces. It's also a great way to get to meet other artists to network with, and a number of gallery and magazine representatives visit the Art Walk, looking for new talent for their niche.