With warm weather and sunshine finally upon us, it’s time to walk around downtown New Haven and admire artwork while shopping and dining.
The annual Window Art Stroll & Contest returns starting Saturday, May 7 (with a rain date of May 8) and runs through Monday, May 30.
David DelVecchio, director of real estate asset management at Yale University Properties, said it is an opportunity for the area’s artists to showcase their work, while also attracting visitors to the city. “The art stroll can be done in a little over an hour, although there are many great restaurants, cafes, eateries, retail shops and architectural points of interest along the route, so walking times could vary from just over an hour to a full afternoon,” DelVecchio said.
The Window Art Stroll & Contest is a self-guided walking tour, and people can vote online for their favorite artwork.
Artists will start creating their displays at 9 a.m. on May 7, with a May 8 rain date, at 30 locations in three districts, including Broadway, Chapel, and Whitney-Audubon.
Visitors can watch artists as they work on their displays or browse the finished products.
The event is in its second year, and organizers say it helped both businesses and participating artists last year. Artists display their contact information along with their artwork, and last year’s event resulted in several securing commissioned project work.
Zach Chernak, an artist who won first place last year, plans to participate again.
“During the time the art was displayed on the windows, I received several commission opportunities,” Chernak said of last year’s event. “Having my contact information displayed along with the art made it so easy for people to contact me.”
Visitors can vote online for their favorite display at TheShopsatYale.com/ArtStroll. Those who vote will be entered to win $50 gift cards to various retailers and restaurants. The prize winning artists will be announced the week of June 6.
There are new attractions this year, including inaugural Spring Outdoor Art Sales on Saturdays, May 14 and May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Broadway Island in New Haven (at 56 Broadway).
Visitors can buy artwork from participating artists. There will also be live music featuring area musicians.
Printed event guides with walking maps will be available from May 7 through May 30 at area merchants, or can be found online at TheShopsatYale.com/ArtStroll.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
Find the published article here.