Second annual Art Walk adding more features

The “This Is Euclid” Art Walk’s quick evolution will be quite noticeable to visitors this time around.

The “This Is Euclid” Art Walk may only be in its second year, but its quick evolution as a major cultural affair will be quite noticeable to visitors this time around.

“This year’s Art Walk is built off of the success of the inaugural event with increased programming, a longer event schedule and a bigger event footprint,” said Allison LukacsyLove, Euclid Department of Planning and Development’s community projects manager.

The free community event takes place on Sept. 22, from 6 to 11 p.m. in the newly renovated Triangle Park at Shore Cultural Centre and along the sidewalks and storefronts on Lake Shore Boulevard between E. 218th and E. 228th streets.

“The official unveiling of a 20-foot photography mural kicks off the event along with awards presented by Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail to winning photographers of the #thisiseuclid photo contest, students at the Euclid Art Association and Euclid Schools pop-up art show inside a currently vacant storefront,” said Lukacsy-Love.

“The sidewalks will be filled with twice as many artist vendors, live musicians and creative offerings like caricatures, make-and-take crafts, painting demos and more.

“Also notable is the addition of an outdoor beer garden and Art Walk T-shirt, designed and printed in downtown Euclid by Wells Creations,” she added.

Proceeds from drink purchases benefit Shore Cultural Centre programs and 100 percent of T-shirt sales go toward future public art in Euclid, Lukacsy-Love said. A scavenger hunt, which kicked off earlier this week, ends at the Art Walk where participants to visited all 11 local businesses and spotted Finny the Fish can win prizes donated by local businesses.

Semi-permanent Instagram-style photo-ops debuted earlier this summer to drum up interest in the photography contest and increase use of the #thisiseuclid hashtag, she noted. One of the signs is in Triangle Park and Art Walk attendees are encouraged to snap a selfie with the sign.

According to a Euclid news release, the event is part of an initiative to create a vibrant downtown, made possible with support from Shore Cultural Centre, Euclid Art Association and numerous resident volunteers and local business owners.

“Pop-up galleries in vacant storefronts and temporary displays of public art help the community to envision future tenants and creative possibilities while celebrating the people, places and things that make Euclid a great place to live, work and play,” said Lukacsy-Love. “The inaugural event drew a few hundred people to the sidewalks of downtown and with an expanded footprint into the newly renovated Triangle Park, and (with) bigger and better entertainment, shopping and art-making offerings, we anticipate an even larger crowd.

“The event is incredibly well-received and supported by the residents and local businesses.”

A notable change in traffic patterns on Lake Shore Boulevard westbound from E. 217th to E. 220th streets allow for temporary on-street parallel parking the weekend of the Art Walk, creating a more walkable district and accommodating increased restaurant patronage, the release stated. On-street parking will be allowed on the north side of Lake Shore Boulevard in front of Great Scott Tavern and Beach Club Bistro on Sept. 22 from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

For more information and details, visit www.facebook.com/ events/939641872842383.

COURTESY OF THE CITY OF EUCLID A mural comprised of photos submitted to the #thisiseuclid photo contest.