POWERGRAMS

35 the area's potential, said Joy Myers, executive director of Artwalk. Stretching along the historic cobblestone street, Morris Avenue, and First and Second Avenues North, the inaugural event featured 25 artists and attracted about 1,000 people. The Artwalk team worked hard to attract bigger crowds with parades, drumlines and similar spectacles. "We wanted people to see the potential of this neighborhood – to provide an atmosphere of bustling sidewalks, activity, crowded streets," said Myers. Myers was a volunteer for the inaugural Artwalk and later became the communications director. "This event is unique in that it puts a fun twist on the art show," said Myers. "The atmosphere transforms throughout the weekend." At its inception, the only similar art show was spaced across much of Birmingham and was not walkable. Accessibility and a fun atmosphere are at the heart of Artwalk and the attendance now reflects those attributes. In the spring each year, Myers and her team of volunteers recruit artists to submit samples of their work, which are reviewed by a panel of judges. The show has grown to include 120 artists, mainly from Birmingham but extending across the South, who helped attract 15,000 people last year. Alabama Power employees are among the annual volunteers. To show their work, artists are paired with host businesses along the event streets that offer their spaces for the weekend. Myers is proud to note that many artists and hosts request to be paired together year after year, strengthening the sense of community. "We have grown so much that we have exceeded the number of spaces available," Myers said. "We now even block off parking lots and set up areas with tents for artists to show. It is amazing to see the growth." Artwalk's atmosphere resembles a big block party, attracting a high- energy crowd that enjoys free live entertainment, block upon block of artists and restaurants, bars and vendors offering food and drink. "Birmingham looks like a normal Friday night in New York City," said Myers. "Friday is more of a party feel and the Saturday event is family friendly, enabling us to reach multiple types of crowds." Artwalk will open earlier this year on Saturday to attract early risers who often go to the Pepper Place Farmer's Market, located a few miles from the loft district. There are also many activities for children. "We know that each year people who are new to the city or are new to the potential of downtown come to Artwalk and get to experience Birmingham in a new way. We are always looking for ways for our event to accommodate many types of people," said Myers. Moreover, Artwalk focuses on promoting many types of art including visual, performance and musical. "It all happens pretty organically. We find our artists, musicians and community members stepping in with their creativity throughout the weekend," said Myers. Since its early days, Artwalk organizers have made a point to feature local bands and have even set the trend for budding artists' success. But the evolution of the event relies on accessibility. "We have artists selling at many different price points for a reason: We want to make art less intimidating and our artists are at all different stages in their careers," said Myers. "We want to be able to provide an atmosphere for even early art collectors to see art as accessible. I bought my first real piece of art at Artwalk years ago." The loft district is reaping the rewards, in part through new bars and restaurants that festival attendees are able to enjoy throughout the event. "I think business owners and patrons really woke up to the potential in this area, and one of those ways was through Artwalk and being able to envision the crowds. It's an exciting thing," said Myers. "This loft area has really developed and it is so affirming to see that Artwalk has had a role in that," she said. "We see the event as preserving the historic value of our city, as a small footprint in a downtown resurgence." Learn more about the event at www.birminghamartwalk.org. Businesses on First and Second Avenues North open doors to featured artists and visitors. Myers Photo by Chuck St. John

• Cover