‘Art Walk’ returns to downtown Marysville

After drawing an estimated total of more than 100 attendees to Third Street and its surrounding environs last fall, the Marysville Arts Coalition and the Downtown Marysville Merchants Association showcased an assortment of area artists in their shops for a second “Art Walk” on Thursday, July 11.

By Kirk Boxleitner • July 17, 2013 1:15 pm
Guest artist Colleen Allen puts the final touches on a watercolor painting at Hilton Pharmacy during the ‘Art Walk’ on July 11.
Guest artist Colleen Allen puts the final touches on a watercolor painting at Hilton Pharmacy during the ‘Art Walk’ on July 11.

MARYSVILLE — After drawing an estimated total of more than 100 attendees to Third Street and its surrounding environs last fall, the Marysville Arts Coalition and the Downtown Marysville Merchants Association showcased an assortment of area artists in their shops for a second “Art Walk” on Thursday, July 11.

Last fall, Mary Kirkland welcomed Glen Oberg, the watercolor painter whose work inspired her to take up the hobby three years ago, to Hilton Pharmacy, which this year hosted Colleen Allen, a watercolor painter of 36 years who was making her first appearance at the Marysville Art Walk.

“This work gives me energy,” Allen said. “It’s like reading a good book that you can’t put down. I can’t quit it.”

Allen also teaches watercolor painting, and what she hopes her students and those who see her work at the Art Walk learn from her is how open the medium is to aspiring talent.

“Anyone can do it as long as they try,” Allen said. “You learn the techniques by sticking with it. What makes someone an artist is that they want to paint. The skill comes after.”

Although Hilton Pharmacy had been part of an event similar to the Art Walk prior to the Marysville Arts Coalition’s involvement, Kirkland expressed her appreciation to the organization for their partnership with the Downtown Marysville Merchants Association.

“They’ve gotten us artists who produce quality pieces,” said Kirkland, who expects the next Art Walk to follow this fall. “Once we get more established, we can become a regular venue that local artists are able to count on.”

For silk scarf artist Karen Lyons, the Art Walk is already a tradition. Just as she did at The Vintage Violet last fall, Lyons invited visitors to Carr’s Hardware on July 11 to paint a scarf within a pattern she’d already outlined.

“I love this location,” Lyons said of historic downtown Marysville. “Everyone enjoys painting. We had a couple of little girls in here, and it was fun to share it with them. Their parents picked them up and showed them where to put the paint. It’s fun to see how kids and adults react to painting silk, because it’s not like using crayons or a more traditional canvas. You never know what colors you’ll end up with.”

“I love being able to help bring attention to our artists,” said Vicki Miniken of The Vintage Violet on Second Street, who provided a place for Holly Stafford to present her watercolor and acrylic paintings. “It’s great when you can give them that visibility, so your customers can enjoy their work, and I look forward to being able to do it again at the next Art Walk.”