For Downtown Visitors, Walk is Work of Art
Galleries, stores open for Saturday celebration.
South Bend Tribune, May 3, 2009

By MARGARET FOSMOE
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND — Art blossomed like spring flowers Saturday during the Spring Art Walk in downtown South Bend.

Area residents strolled in the sunshine between the South Bend Museum of Art and other art-related businesses and galleries that were showcasing their wares.

Amanda Caparell, of South Bend, turned the event into a spring outing with her two sons, Deven, age 4, and Aiden, age 1.

They examined art works at Century Center, stopped at Piser Designs and several other stores, and strolled along the river walk. The family stopped for a snack on the front step of Circa Arts Gallery on East Colfax Avenue.

They hadn't made any purchases yet. "But I do know where to go now when I need something," Caparell said. "It's been enjoyable," she said. "It was a good walk. We're always looking for things to do."

Gretchen and Dan Hart and their daughter Audrey, 4 1/2, drove from their home in Eau Claire to attend Art Walk.

Gretchen Hart purchased some greeting cards at Spark Fine Stationery on Hill Street. She was pleased with her unique find. "They're different than you'd find at a Hallmark store," she said.

The family makes regular outings to South Bend to visit relatives and some local shops. "It's really nice to see the local artisans' work," Gretchen Hart said.

Musicians Bruce Wolfe and Rhonda Whitledge played inside Circa Arts Gallery as customers browsed the store.

During the current recession, sales have slowed for art-oriented businesses, said Kathy Reddy White, Circa Arts Gallery owner. "Business is definitely slower because (art) is a luxury item," she said.

The owner hasn't changed her hours or her approach to business because of the slow economy.

She said one bright spot is ShoLo, a campaign to encourage area residents to shop at locally owned businesses. For a complete list of participating ShoLo businesses, see: www.sholo.org.

Art Walk increases appreciation for artwork and for the goods available at local businesses, said 16-year-old Karrie Jean of South Bend, who was strolling the galleries with friends.

Saturday's Art Walk followed close on the heels of First Fridays, a new event that will be held on the first Friday evening of each month. More than 30 downtown businesses and restaurants stay open until at least 9 p.m. on those Fridays and offer live music, demonstrations, food and other special offerings.

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