Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk Shows 150 Artists in Stores Along the Avenue in May

By Lauren Rapp, Brooklyn Paper

Brooklyn’s annual celebration of local art and artists is almost here. This May, the Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk will welcome Brooklynites and art lovers to explore 1.5 miles of public art, galleries, restaurants, and businesses.

Works from more than 150 emerging artists will be hung in over 60 businesses along Atlantic Avenue, turning the thoroughfare into a public gallery. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the bustling tree-lined streets, pop into local businesses, visit open galleries, and try out any of the many locally owned restaurants serving up unique dishes.

The Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk, organized by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, will be held from May 10 to 18, stretching from 4th Avenue to the waterfront.

“It’s just an eclectic way to explore Atlantic Avenue,” said Thoren Vadala, owner of Make A Frame. “We really have a great community of local businesses working along that strip that’s somehow magically remained mostly local.”

Make A Frame is an independent custom framing shop that has been on Atlantic Avenue since 1978 and joined ArtWalk four years ago. The local establishment supports local artists, framing archival and fine artworks, and offers screen printing classes.

Vadala said the event is a great opportunity to show people what they do in the shop and spark a connection for “new conversations and new friends.”

“It’s just a really great community ecosystem,” added Vadala.

Howard Kolins, the Local Development Corporation’s Acting Executive Director, described the event as a “perfect marriage” between art and commerce.

“We want everyone to walk the avenue while they enjoy the art and discover beautiful merchandise. After you’ve walked for a while, take a break at one of our wonderful restaurants,” he said.

Businesses along Atlantic Avenue that do not typically sell art are still welcome to participate in the event. Co-chair Alicia Degener matches businesses, such as salons and retail stores, with local artists who will display their work in storefront windows.

This year, Z and Q Nail Spa was matched with a local artist who drew a portrait of a corgi named Dobie, whose owner works at the nail salon. Portraits of Dobie wearing a bow tie and portraits of his backside will be on display for ArtWalk attendees to enjoy.

Karen Zebulon, co-chair of ArtWalk and owner of the retail store Gumbo on Atlantic Avenue, said she has watched the event grow in popularity in recent years. Zebulon helped revitalize the event following the Covid-19 shutdown.

“It brings people inside to the business. They explore Atlantic Avenue, and they discover many businesses they perhaps never knew about,” said Zebulon. “Many of the businesses show art already or are just very creative in their nature.”

The Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk will be held from Saturday, May 10 through Sunday, May 18 from noon to 6 p.m. each day, though the hours of each participating business may vary.

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.

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