By Chris Bavender
It may be time to grab a sweater – or even a winter coat – but that won’t stop the Carmel Arts & Design District from hosting its Gallery Walk from 5-10 p.m. Nov. 9.
“Typically we have 300 to 400 people during the gallery walks when it’s warmer but we still draw more than 150 when the weather is colder,” Carmel Gallery Association President Jerry Points said. “Some of the galleries will offer hot drinks, but it just varies with each. We try not to compete with the restaurants.”
The Gallery Walk features new exhibits and artists at the 10 galleries in the district. Free caricatures by artist Kim Graham will be available at Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard & Cupcakes, and a scavenger hunt is planned from 5 to 9 p.m., starting at the ArtSplash Gallery.
Response to the monthly Gallery Walk has been positive.
“People just really seem to be embracing it. A lot of the people who are coming in really seem to enjoy the fact they can come into the district and there are no parking fees compared to other areas,” Points said. “There are restaurants where they can eat before or after. It’s just a great night of entertainment where you can see several galleries in a three or four block area.”
One gallery also open for the walk – but not in the Arts & Design District – is All Things African Art Gallery and Studio at 421 S. Range Line Rd. The gallery will host African artist Ade Oyelami and 12 of his paintings done in the Osogbo art form from 3 to 8 p.m.
“This is traditional African art that actually inspired the cubist movement with Picasso,” gallery manager Kwame Itoka said. “‘Wow’ is the usual first reaction when people see this forgotten art form because of the colors – they are vibrant. The colors hit you first then you really start looking at the form.”
Oyelami’s paintings will be on exhibit at the gallery for a month.
“We have quite a diversity of art here in terms of media – painting, glass, ceramics, etc. – as well as price points,” Points said. “You can walk in a gallery and find a work for under $100 or you can spend thousands.”
For more information visit www.carmelartsanddesign.com
