ArtBeat 2019 runs April 1 - April 15 this year. The annual two week period engages the community by displaying the role of the arts locally. The arts provide inspiration in economic activity in our region and give back to the community year round, but ArtBeat highlights this effort every year through its multiple events and outreach programs during the festival.
Inarguably one of the most influential ArtBeat events is the festival's annual Art is for Everyone event. Typically on a Saturday, Art is for Everyone is a community-wide day of events showcasing the arts complete with exhibits, activities, performances, and a parade.
A scene from a previous year's Strut the Hooch parade for ArtBeat. Steve Scott, Strut's founder, rides shotgun in a convertible for the parade. | Source
The parade is entitled Strut the Hooch, and is one of the highlights of each year because it embodies the mission of ArtBeat so well. Steve Scott, the parade's founder and local arts supporter, looks forward to the annual parade of joy and silliness every year.
"I started Strut the Hooch because there is just too much anger and meanness in the world," explained Scott. I wanted to create an event that celebrated life, diversity, and joy in our community."
The annual parade draws around 300 people each year. Past years have included legions of Springer Academy students, puppeteers, musicians, children, grandparents, and more. Scott said he loves seeing the different crowd that shows up each year.
"Smiley Rachael" of SparkArt enjoys marching in a previous Strut the Hooch parade with local artist Ralph Frank. | Source
Not ready to jump in the parade? Just watch instead.
"I'm most looking forward to seeing the creativity that people come up with this year. I love the energy of the crowd, and the smiles on the faces of the little kids on the curb when the parade passes by each time."
There's much more to do during Art is for Everyone this weekend. For more information on everything there is to see and do this year, check out the schedule below. We've also included ArtBeat's map of public art, and links to more information about each event.
Art is for Everyone 2019 Schedule
Art is for Everyone
April 6 @ 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Free
Enjoy kid-friendly performances and art activities by local organizations, including: Uptown Columbus, Inc., Spark Art, Springer Opera House, Gallery on 10th, The Columbus Museum, Columbus State University, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, RiverCenter, The Columbus Ballet, Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, Voices of the Valley, and more.
Market Days on Broadway
April 6 @ 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Free
Market Days on Broadway 4 blocks of handmade, homemade, and/or homegrown goods. Broadway. Click here for the Facebook event page.
Strut the Hooch Parade
April 6 @ 9:30 a.m. Free
Uptown Columbus, Broadway. 5th annual parade of joy and silliness! Click here for the Facebook page.
Made in MidTown
April 6 @ 10:00 a.m. – Noon
A surprising art exhibit with pieces created by imaginative MidTown residents. Venue: The Chapman House – 1410 Wynnton Road.
The Columbus Collective, Open Gallery
April 6 @ Noon – 8:00 p.m. Free
Venue: Pop Uptown, 1234 Broadway. Click here for the Facebook page.
Words Take Flight: Fountain City Teen Poetry Slam Finals
April 6 @ 3:00 p.m. Free
Venue: The Bo Bartlett Center – 921 Front Avenue. Click here for the Facebook page.
Farm to Table(aux)
April 6 @ 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. $150.00
Enjoy a farm-to-table feast, artisan cocktails, craft beer, boutique wines, and creative Tableaux Vivants. Venue: The Columbus Museum – 1251 Wynnton RoadFor tickets, visit the Museum’s website here, or visit the event Facebook page here.
ArtBeat's Art Walk map of public art in Columbus, Georgia.
If you're unable to attend Saturday's Art is for Everyone, there are many other events still to come for ArtBeat 2019 in our area. Visit their website here for a complete listing of events. There truly is something for everyone. ◼︎