Get your chalk on at the ArtStroll

The Second-Friday ArtStroll in downtown Thermopolis, September 11 from 5-8 p.m. will feature chalk art on the sidewalks.  The public is invited to draw a picture or write your name during the second annual Get Your Chalk On ArtStroll. Chalk will be available from many of the downtown businesses. Bring your design and join the fun as Smoking Waters Art Guild members and others draw designs on the sidewalks now through Saturday, September 12.

This month’s Second-Friday ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday features artists, live music, refreshments and door prizes.

Broadway Bygones is the host business Friday evening and will feature Gem Jackson, a local photographer. Jackson, is new to the stroll and is a licensed photographer. Jackson has spent as many hours learning and striving to improve her photography skills, as actual time spend behind the camera. 

Another featured artist is new to the stroll. Dennis Russell was born and raised in Hot Springs County, growing up on the family ranch. In 1984 he tried his first wood working feat, a nine drawer, three shelf tool cabinet. After many creations of unique birdhouses, wonderful whirligigs and various automata, Russell wanted to learn caricature carving, which introduced him to the traditional whittling of wood.

Cindy Toth is back for her second stroll. Toth has been sewing and quilting for nearly 50 years.  She began with her first project, an apron, then went on to making much of her own clothing. She eventually became interested in producing quilts, wall hangings, purses, etc. Toth will be demonstrating knitting during the stroll.

Other textile artists along the stroll path include Joyce Fletcher, Jane, and Andrea Linn who is a spinner.

Flying Eagle Gallery will have an opening reception Friday evening for Judy Spillman who does acrylic painting and collage work. 

Other artists this month include Glenda Ramsey, painting/multimedia; Jennifer Taylor, handmade soaps; Cindy Clancy, painting on vintage items, Barb Rice, junk art, Sallie Wesaw, multimedia, Jennie Blakesley, jewelry, and Timothy and Kelli Wesaw, glass and silver work.

Musicians will be playing at several locations during the ArtStroll, including Mike Howland, Stepheny Butcher, and Shawn McWilliams & Rick Phipps and Jacky & Michael Wright along with other  musicians.

Strollers are encouraged to pick up a map at any stroll business, have each business initial the map and return the completed map to the host business, Broadway Bygones, at the end of Friday evening’s stroll. Names will be drawn and winners will receive a piece of art work donated by the artists.

This month we welcome a new business to the ArtStroll. Gooseberry Garden Quilt Shop will introduce their new store and line of quilting products. Watch for future demonstrations at their new location next to Wesaw Studio.

The Second-Friday ArtStroll and Still Strolling Saturday are organized by Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation and Smoking Waters Art Guild with additional help from Main Street Thermopolis and Hot Springs Travel & Tourism.