From 6th to 17th Street, Montana Avenue looks very different on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Retail stores and restaurants will operate the same, but expect sidewalks and street corners to be lined with artwork, children’s activities, and live music.
Kara Taub, chair of the Montana Merchant Association and a member of the 10 Women Gallery on Montana Avenue, said attendees can expect to see artwork on easels, large paintings, photographs, and a little pottery outside.
She said the event was an excellent opportunity for community members to celebrate visual arts. At least 40 different artists will exhibit their works of art on the street and in shops. There will also be nine or ten musicians performing throughout the day. Some of the local Montana stores invite their own musicians to perform in their stores as well.
“We like to create events that bring people to the streets. And we want our events to be visible. We like it so that you see it when you walk up and down the street. It’s just an opportunity to do something else. There is no other outdoor arts festival in Santa Monica. I don’t think there is one anywhere, ”said Taub.
The coronavirus pandemic has hit the arts and local businesses very hard in Santa Monica. The Art Walk is part of the economic boom and offers artists the opportunity to show their work outdoors in a safe environment.
“[The art walk] brings people to the streets, ”said Taub. “We had a lot of new stores just opened last year so we’re really glad we can do so this year. It was canceled last year because of the pandemic. “
The Merchants Association compiles a list of artists interested in getting involved with and working with a company or being out on the street. The association distributes this list to companies and helps to find suitable artists.
“There is only one kind of focal point for companies to get more people into their business,” said Taub. “You can say, ‘Hey, we have this really cool artist who’s going to be here for the weekend,’ or whatever it is.”
The artists not only exhibit their work, but also sell their art. Some artists sell their artwork outdoors while others sell through the companies they work with.
Taub said, “If she [the businesses] If we cut it, it would be 15 to 20 percent. “
The Montana Art Walk is celebrating its sixth year hosting this event and is sponsored by Santa Monica Travel and Tourism. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to enjoy the arts, music, and local businesses in dire need of help after the devastating pandemic shattered so many American dreams.
Small Business Saturday takes place on November 27th on Montana Avenue and the annual Christmas walk takes place there on December 4th. Unfortunately, the Halloween Hop that so many Santa Monica kids enjoy is being canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.
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