Marietta Art Walk is a haven for artists and visitors alike

by Kathy Witt

Dominique Chaponot is a long way from her native Paris, France, but the composite photographer feels right at home in the burgeoning arts community of Marietta, Georgia.

“The first thing l saw was the art on the square of Marietta and it was an instant favorite,” says Chaponot, who moved to Georgia in 2009 and lives in Douglasville.

Chaponot will be showing her photography works during Marietta’s 4th Annual First Friday Art Walk, held each month April through October in this historic town located 18 miles northwest of Atlanta. The free, self-guided tour will take visitors on a journey of imagination to the art galleries, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques lining the old-fashioned square that are hosting artists working in a variety of media – painters, photographers, woodcarvers, wax carvers, paper artists,  musicians, more.

“The special atmosphere of Art Walk is very attractive,” says Chaponot. “You never know who is coming to see your work – and that reminds me of Paris when the artists show their work on the ‘Quai de la Seine,’ they open a small booth near Notre Dame and on the edge of the river Seine.

“The smell of the fresh painting and the color mixed together is enough to transport you in another word of the imagination.”

Art Walkers can hopscotch from gallery to boutique to eatery along the Marietta Square or begin at Artist’s Alley, an intimate exhibit of juried artists in its new indoor location at DuPre’s Antique Market. Chaponot, along with a number of other featured artists, will be showing her work here. Within the funky eclecticism of the boutique Limelight, several artists will display their works: Tori Hampton with art letters; Tiffany Baca, robot art; and Elizabeth Shick, children’s and fantasy art. At Gemtiques, Ford Smith will give wax carving demonstrations for jewelry wax casting. At the Historic Marietta Trolley Company, painter Laura Murphy will present genre scenes, landscapes and architecture.

With its colorful storefronts, lamppost-lit streetscape, fountain and gazebo set amidst brick-paved walkways and antebellum park abloom with posies, Marietta Square makes a striking canvas for artists of all genres. Ink drawing and digital artist Havana Nguyen will show her work at Ladies Healing Boutique. See Ron Ransom’s wood-carved Santas at Willow Antiques and Donald Freking’s hand-thrown ceramics at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. And at the Keeping Room/Church St. Market, the folk art of Kee Carlisle and the traditional still life and landscape oils of Marta Suarez will be on exhibit.

Self-taught artist Jenny King is back at Art Walk for her third year. Her working studio, J. King Artworks, located above the Australian Bakery Café on the Square, will provide the backdrop for her art and that of another local artist.

“I am honored and grateful to be a part of the art movement on the Square,” says King. “I absolutely love the energy on the Square. There is always something going on, whether it’s an art walk, a concert or an impromptu bluegrass music gathering.”

And speaking of music, singer and acoustic musician Bert Reeves will entertain at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre during Art Walk. The Marietta Wine Market will host a wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. while also showing the works of Thomas Arvid and other artists. Adding to the artistic hubbub of the Square will be a number of restaurants, including the linen-draped Shillings on the Square, the luscious Sugar Cakes Patisserie and SweeTreats – a confectionary gem known for its ice cream and yogurt “mix-ins” – that will serve up art on par with their culinary masterworks.

“My first year at Art Walk was an exciting and inspiring experience,” recalls King. “What I’ve noticed most during my involvement with the Art Walk is the constant improvement and growth.

Installing Artists’ Alley inside the climate-controlled 3,000-square foot warehouse at DuPre’s Antique Market is one such enhancement. Another has been that, each year, more merchants feature live music and free food and wine.

“For me, Art Walk is like my home,” says Chaponot. “I feel nothing bad can happen. This is my sanctuary where I feel safe – I belong and fit right in.”

Visitors to Marietta’s 4th Annual First Friday Art Walk will likewise feel at home in the picture-postcard setting that is Marietta Square.

If You Go

Marietta’s 4th Annual First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of each of these months: April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Held rain or shine, Art Walk hours are 5-9 p.m. Admission is free. Free trolley service runs from 5-8 p.m. (At 8 p.m., the Historic Marietta Trolley Company and Ghosts of Marietta combine for the trolley ghost tour, “Scary-etta.”) Visitors can pick up an Art Walk map at the Marietta Welcome Center.

Art Walkers can register for a chance to win a “Hip to Be Square” $100 gift certificate – redeemable at participating merchants on Marietta Square – at DuPre’s Antique Market, Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art and The Historic Marietta Trolley.

Marietta has several overnight options that will make Art Walkers feel right at home during an arts immersion weekend, including the Stanley House, a bed and breakfast inn that bespeaks of the elegance, grandeur and grace of the Victorian era, located just steps off the Square; the Whitlock Inn, a Victorian mansion located in one of Marietta’s five National Historic Districts; and the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel with its gracious Southern-style façade, gorgeous lobby and golf course setting.

Information: Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau, http://mariettasquare.com, 770-429-1115; Marietta Art Walk, www.artwalkmarietta.com.