THE FIFTH ANNUAL ART WALK
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

The Art Walk returned to Stonington Borough for its fifth year! The event, free to the public, took place on Sunday, September 17 (rescheduled from Saturday, September 16 due to high winds) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and attracted local artists and visitors from across New England.

Water Street between High Street and Church Street was closed for the day to accommodate the event. Painters, illustrators, watercolorists, sculptors, potters, makers, and photographers lined the street with tents, and select merchants hosted artists at their storefronts stretching all the way down to Cannon Square!

THE FIFTH ANNUAL ART WALK ACTIVITIES

The Park Place Artists, a group of 8-10 art students, exhibited at the house of Sally Vail at 165 Water Street.
Cove Ledge Beer, Wine and Spirits hosted a group of artists and a beer tasting in its garden at 147 Water Street.
The Captain Palmer House and the Lighthouse Museum offered self-guided “Art Walks” at both museums called Through the Ages, now available as a web-based tour. A handout highlighting important paintings, objects, and artists was available. Admission was half-priced ($5).
The former residence of James Ingram Merrill at 107 Water Street was not open for tours on Sunday 9/17, but guests were invited to the Visitor’s Center.
Stonington Free Library was open 10 am - 3 pm on the day of the Art Walk. The current exhibit in their Stairwell Gallery featured artists from Vista Life Innovations — connecting individuals of all abilities through the arts. Free Take & Make activities were available, and the library’s collection of art books was on display.

The Glaze Vase Project returned to the 5th Annual Art Walk thanks to local potter and Art Walk participant, Lyndsay Meiklem Dean of Glaze Handmade. Lyndsay hid 30 tiny vases throughout the Borough for seekers to find.
Marya Ursin of Mystic Paper Beasts, a theater troupe known for their extraordinary collection of expressive mythological masks and ingenious props, roved throughout the event, offering wishes to visitors.
On display at La Grua Center was the work of Samson Tonton, a Haitian-American artist who is taking the painting world by storm. La Grua was open from 10 am - 2 pm on Sunday 9/17 for a suggested donation of $5. The exhibit runs through October 31, 2023.
The Velvet Mill was exhibiting “Summer Salon” in its upstairs gallery, a late summer show featuring works by current Velvet Mill artists. Open 9 am - 5 pm through October 8, 2023.

MUSIC

Peter Previty performed an acoustic set of pop and alternative music at 12 noon on Wadawanuck Square.
Guitarist James Harris performed 1 - 2 pm at Grand & Water Streets.

Violinist Alexander Mcgrath and Skip McKinley and his band were not able to perform on Sunday, September 17.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL ART WALK FOOD VENDORS

Dog Watch Catering was set up on Wadawanuck Square. They offered a delicious lunch of chicken skewers, cajun bean and corn salad and clam chowder! on Wadawanuck Square.

Zest Fresh Pastry and Captain Scott’s Lobster Truck was not able to join us on Sunday, September 17.