Neighborhood Businesses — and Snowmen — Warmly Welcome Art Walkers

By Maribeth Stephens

Move over, Frosty. Your corncob pipe and button nose pale in comparison to the colorful garb painted by local artists and children on your plywood peers. The 17 Snowmen on Parade lining Greenwood Avenue North on December 12 helped kick off the monthly Art Up/Open Up Greenwood-Phinney art walks.

Sponsored by the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce, the art walks are designed “… to expose the neighborhood to highlight what we’re fortunate enough to have,” according to Chamber vice president Steven Giliberto.

Businesses hosted a mix of visual art, music and performance art or offered special activities and promotions. In all, 26 companies from North 60th to North 87th Streets participated.

This snowman appeared to be keeping an eye on his neighborhood. It was a fitting image outside of Seattle Management Group Real Estate, 8313 Greenwood Avenue North.

As the snowmen stood sentry outside, walkers inside explored the art, talked with artists and shop owners, enjoyed refreshments — and placed silent bids on the snowmen. The highest bidders won the snowmen, but the real winner was the North Seattle Boys & Girls Club. Crystal Barnard, unit director of the recently remodeled and reopened North Seattle Boys & Girls Club, says the $575 raised will help provide nutritious snacks to those participating in its after-school programs.

Attendance varied by venue. Some shops attracted dozens of walkers while others drew fewer; the chilly, wet weather may have played a role in the uneven attendance. Organizers believe that, over time, the ongoing art walks will help attract more neighbors and others living further afield across the thresholds of local enterprises. “It’s a neighborhood whose time is coming,” says Giliberto.

Artist Rick Rogers discussed his work displayed at Seattle Management Group Real Estate, 8313 Greenwood Avenue North.

Art Up/Open Up Greenwood-Phinney art walks occur the second Friday of each month, 6-9 pm. For information, contact the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce, info@greenwood-phinney.com, (206) 789-1148.

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