Theresa Jenkins is busy pulling together last-minute details for Art Walk, the warm-weather diversion she launched in 2008 to bring the wine-and-cheese set to Marietta Square.
“In Marietta, we like to say there’s an artistic renaissance happening,” Jenkins said from behind her crowded desk at the Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau.
Recession notwithstanding, the historical district has seen some new galleries along with the renovated Earl Smith Strand Theatre opening in recent years.
On Friday, the side street near the welcome center will become Artists’ Alley, a juried art show and command central for Art Walk.
“The square really comes alive,” she said, adding that local artwork is hanging not only in the square’s museums and galleries but on the walls of restaurants, shops and other destinations.
More than 30 merchants are participating. Here’s what the square’s galleries and studios have in store.
Avisca Fine Art
507 Roswell St.
About a half-mile off the square on Roswell Street, Avisca is ideal for a first stop. The trolley doesn’t go to this gallery, but it’s worth a visit before tackling the square. Meet Skip Hill at a reception that launches his show “Butterfly Confessions.” Hill combines Japanese and Egyptian print-making with modern forms, such as graffiti. Avisca director Byrma Braham veers her art as well as her Art Walk refreshments away from the status quo by mixing up batches of her “house special” mojitos made with mint from her organic garden, along with wine and hors d’oeuvres.
DK Gallery
25 W. Park Square
Gallery owner Donna Krueger opened in 2008 with a mission to use accessible Southern artists who wouldn’t exclude novice art collectors. “When people start collecting art, it’s important to have the artists around,” she said. Meet Fred Allen and Allison McElroy for the exhibit “All Mixed Up: A Mixed Media Show.” A jazz trio, the Bill Van Dyke Ensemble, will perform.
Knoke Fine Arts
25 Alexander St.
Gallery owner Debbie Charter carries 19th- and 20th-century original American oil paintings, including Athos Menaboni, who created Robert Woodruff’s Christmas cards for 44 years, Charter said. Meet local artist Dennis Mercier.
J. King Artworks
48 S. Park Square
Artist Jenny King will be painting in her own studio with friends in what she calls “a really laid-back atmosphere.” Check out her “friends wall” of local art.
If you go
● Expect free noshes, live music, artist demos, meet-and-greets and gratis cocktails you can stroll with down the streets (or spring for a drink at Brew with a View atop the Strand for a bird’s-eye view of the square).
● Park at the Cobb County parking deck on Cherokee Street, where parking is free after 5 p.m. or park for free behind the welcome center on Mill Street.
● Pick up a map at Artists’ Alley, at any participating venue or print one from www.artwalkmarietta.com. Get it stamped at a minimum of 15 stops and return it to Artists’ Alley to enter a prize drawing.
● Trolleys run for free between Art Walk stops from 5 to 8 p.m. Stops are marked with flags around the square.
● At 8 p.m., Ghosts of Marietta will lead a 90-minute tour aboard the trolley. $25, adults, $12, children 12 and younger.
Event preview: First Friday Art Walk on the Marietta Square
5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1. 770-429-1115, www.geekscall.com .
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