Sat 5/31 @ 1pm
Community is a powerful thing. All over the region, neighbors are coming together to combine their efforts and resources to make a bigger and more immediate impact on their neighborhoods. This weekend, the business owners of Lakewood’s Madison (Avenue) Art District (M.A.D.) are working together to host their very first M.A.D. Art Walk.
The Art Walk will feature nearly 20 participating businesses – spanning from Morrison Avenue to McKinely Avenue. The afternoon includes an eclectic variety of local art, vendors, make-and-take crafts, art demonstrations, the Touch Supper food truck and more. Anyone who spends at least $20 can take their receipt to Mahall’s 20 Lanes for a free game of bowling.
“When I was growing up in Lakewood, it was a happy place,” says A. Nancy Cintron, owner of the Good Goat Gallery. “My memories have always been fond of this town, but there was always something that it lacked… art. There were no galleries, boutiques and inviting places to take art lessons. We had to travel to the east side to get some culture. Now Lakewood is full of independent shops, outstanding restaurants and diverse art.
“In the area that I’m in, there are 11 art businesses. We have all come together to create the Madison Arts District, because we’re M.A.D. about art. We are all artists who are passionate for a life of creativity. Art is our livelihood. With our craft, we know that we make a huge impact on the community, not only by making our area nicer to live in and by bringing more businesses in, but by giving back to the community, with charitable causes. Art transforms neighborhoods. If people want to keep their town beautiful, they need to come out and support the arts.”
Highlights include a large group exhibition of local art at Good Goat Gallery, the opening reception of Where’s My Jetpack 3 at Breakneck Gallery, the grand opening of Victoria Stanbridge Photography, as well as dozens of artists and vendors inside local businesses and lined across Madison’s sidewalks (weather permitting).
“We love the neighborhood, our fellow gallery neighbors and being a part of a budding arts district,” says Breakneck’s Sean Burns. We hope this is just the first of many art walks to come.” The previous incarnations of Where’s My Jetpack? have focused on vintage 60’s and 70’s imagery and inspiration. However, this third installment of Breakneck’s Sci-Fi-themed group exhibition expands the theme to include contemporary subject matter, as well as pop culture.
If you’ve never been to the Madison Avenue Art District (or haven’t visited in a while), you will not want to miss their inaugural art walk. Make a day of it with a trip to the Beck Center (just north of Madison on Detroit), or one of the many other great venues around town. It’s sure to be a fun day for all ages.
[Acrylic painting by artist Jeff Ritchie]
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.
One Response to “Experience Lakewood’s First M.A.D. Art Walk This Weekend”
Patty McPhillips
Will there be any other art walks in Lakewood? If so, how does a vendor become involved? Thanks, Patty