Artists set to paint the town for First Friday in Marietta

Artist Bijou Burgardt will be among the featured artists at the Art Walk on First Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday in Marietta. (Photo provided)

MARIETTA — Marietta’s First Friday in July event is an art walk from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday.

The second of three summer art walks, the first Friday of the month is also a fundraiser for the Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee.

Main Street Marietta is the organizer of First Fridays.

The “Create for a Cause: Live Art at the Armory!” event features live painting on the Armory lawn by eight local artists. Each artist will paint a unique piece on a 2-foot by 2-foot canvas that will be auctioned off in a silent auction.

Participating artists include Emma Romanowski, Nicole Harris, Hannah Celeste Davis, Jolene Powell, Hailey Bennett, Bijou Burgardt, Kyla Smith and Tracy Love.

After the first Friday, the paintings will be on display at Front Street locations through July 12. The auction will be held online on the Marietta Main Street Facebook page from July 6-12, with bidding closing at 4:30 p.m. on July 12.

The public will be able to stop by the Armory on Friday evening to watch the artists come to life.

The Public Art Committee is also hosting a live T-shirt printing event at the armory. People can choose an image, each one designed and etched into a printing block by committee members.

The design will be hand-printed onto a t-shirt of the buyer’s choice while they watch. Promoting the t-shirt is another fundraiser for the committee.

Artsbridge, United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, GoPacks and others are sponsoring Kid Central at the Armory with activities for kids. The SIPS coffee truck will be on site with beverages.

In keeping with the Art Walk theme, Butler Street will host an artist village where local makers and artists will sell their work. Shops include Emcatlang with stickers, prints and pins, Cornerstone Homestead with goat milk soaps and lotions, Bee Younique Jewelry with earrings made from decorative boxes, Patsy Dearing with acrylic paintings, Joseph Smith with art and decor, Dodge Gaskill with paintings and photography, Sunni & June Creations with resin jewelry, Rock N Metal with items made from recycled scraps and Naturalist Photography with nature photography.

Most businesses will stay open late, including Schafer Leather Store and First City Records. At First City Records, Moon King will perform a tribute to the Rolling Stones and all Rolling Stones music and merchandise will be on sale.

At Sugar Maple, regular-priced items will be 15% off and sales will be up to 80% off. Emleigh’s and Mama B’s will have a consignment section and a sale section. Little Rosie’s is offering 10% off purchases over $75 and Marietta Adventure Company will offer 20% off all Goodr sunglasses.

At American Flags and Poles, all metal art will be 50% off, and Just a Jar Design Press will have prints and t-shirts on sale. Penny Pinchers will have special sales and will host WASCO for its annual gift basket fundraiser.

All model cars and ships will be 20% off at Tabletop Puzzles and Games.

At Clutch Collective, Ohio artist Pot Head Pottery will be on hand with a wide selection of handcrafted items. Next door at Wit & Whimzy, Adam Weaver of Appalachian Weird will be on hand with his nature and Appalachian-themed stickers.

Marietta Makery will host a free art supply swap and offer live caricatures with Maryland artist Paul Tepper of Silly Goose Caricatures. Threadz Boutique will host Posie & Pals as well as Alicia Fogle and her crocheted goods.

Art walks are among the busiest First Fridays, said Laura Pytlik, owner of Wit & Whimzy.

“Although all First Fridays are a success, the Summer Art Walks are particularly notable.” she says. “The warm weather is perfect for strolling the sidewalks, enjoying a DORA drink, meeting friends and enjoying all the artsy activities. Marietta Main Street has put on a wonderful event that is sure to please everyone.”

The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley will be represented in two Front Street businesses.

Woodworking artist Esther Salem will be showcasing her wares at Teri Ann’s to raise money for the shelter. At Green Acres of Marietta, people will be able to meet some of the dogs in need of forever homes.

Downtown restaurants will be joining in the fun, including Wilkys Sports Bar and Over the Moon Pub & Pizza. At Over the Moon, all craft beer will be $4 and bottles of Samual Smith apple cider will be $3. Some of the staff’s artwork will be on display and available for purchase.

Jeremiah’s Coffee House will serve samples of its new line of ice creams from the Ice Cream Factory, and the Lafayette Hotel will offer specialty dinners and cocktails as well as live music in the lobby.

First Friday events take place from 5pm to 9pm on the first Fridays of the month.

For more information about Marietta Main Street, upcoming events and programs, visit the Marietta Main Street website at www.mariettamainstreet.org.

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