Downtown Paris ARTWALK - Recap

On July 17 Downtown Paris was filled with folks enjoying a beautiful night with friends, food, and fun. The sixth Downtown Paris ARTWALK was well attended. Hundreds of people visited friends and perused art on and around Main Street. Twenty-two venues hosted over forty artists. Artists included Paris locals and other artists from surrounding areas.

Artist Evan Pugazzi of Lexington referred to his first Downtown Paris ARTWALK as "a great experience." "It was great to celebrate art and enjoy an evening with lots of new friends in Paris,KY," said Fugazzi. Duncan Tavern hosted Winchester artist, Dewey Pope, with his graphite drawings of World War II soldiers, while Hopewell Museum hosted photographer, Mary Claire Estes. Murray West was on hand a Loch Lea Antiques and showed his photographs of Bourbon County. Many talented photographers were represented, such as, Merle Wasson, Holli Gibson, Janine Patton, Gail Asbury, Bobby Shiftlet, Bill Bench, Jo Ellen Pearman, Liz Foley, and Susan Black.

Several venues featured groups of artists. St Peter's Church and First Presbyterian Church showed off the work of many of their talented members, while stores like Fister Sisters, Frames on Main and Kentucky Bank had multiple artists featuring a wide variety of media and subject matter.

Bobby Shiflet, owner of Frames on Main Gallery, refers to Downtown Paris ARTWALK as "a social block party" and believes it is a great event for the community. Other participating galleries were Nancy Kleck's Art Studio, and White Horse Gallery. Pauline's Hair Salon hosted woodcarvers, J. Bryan and Kenneth Taylor.

Each venue offered refreshments, highlights included: Smoked pork tenderloin at Edward Jones, Sweet potato chips and honey blue cheese dip at Campbell's, Fresh fruit salsa at Varden's, a beautiful hors d'oeurve buffet at Kentucky Bank, Smoked salmon pate at Loch Lea Antiques, Champaigne punch at Ardery's, and Beer cheese at Fister Sisters.

After many requests to extend the hours, July's Downtown Paris ARTWALK ran until 9 o'clock. Restaurants including Magdalia's and Campbell's report having busy evenings for post- ARTWALK dining. "The food was great." said Lucy Cooper, who enjoyed dinner at Migdalia's with her husband and friends.

Downtown Paris ARTWALK is a volunteer run and organized event of the Main Street Promotions Committee. The Committee wishes to thank all the artists and visitors who made Downtown Paris ARTWALK a success; and a special thank you to the volunteers who help make everything possible especially the venues who graciously host artists and their artwork.