The Downtown Stockton Art Walk will launch its 2007 Season on Friday, March 9, 5-8 pm, at various locations throughout the downtown. The kickoff for the Downtown Art Walk will celebrate Youth Art Month with exhibits of artwork from local school districts and will include "String Fever", a celebration of the Stockton Symphony’s 80th anniversary season.

More than 30 artists, both prominent and up and coming, participated in String Fever, painting violins, violas and a cello, creating a stunning collection. Through a collaborative effort with local schools, several of the pieces were also created by student artists.

Funds received as a result of the student art pieces will be used to provide music education by the Stockton Symphony at the school attended by that artist.

The violins will be individually auctioned to the public at the Bob Hope Theater during the Downtown Art Walk, March 9. Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Stockton Symphony endowment campaign and music programs at local schools.

"This is a truly wonderful way to support the Stockton Symphony and the arts in our schools," stated Marian Jacobs, local arts supporter and founder of the Stockton Arts Commission.

The artists behind this creative, whimsical, eclectic show include:

Helen Betz, Lisa Cooperman, Gil Dellinger, Peig Fairbrook, Jeri Foppiano, Adele Fox, Cathy Guidan, Julia Hayhurst, Ann Hughes, Fernando Lopez, Cyndi Esenwein, Irene Perkins, India Ramacher, Tony Ramirez, Susan Saenz-Bod, Patricia Savala, Dolly Sellars, Anne Sheldon, Mary Lois Thompson, and Ken White.

The Downtown Stockton Art Walk is the result of a successful collaboration between the Downtown Stockton Alliance and members of the Downtown Action Team and began in March of 2006. The Art Walk takes place on the second Friday of each month, March through September. Artists are paired with a temporary "gallery" – a restaurant, business or vacant space – and provide artwork for display. All art is original and exhibits include painting, pottery, sculpture, textiles, photography, collage, and glass. In addition, the Tidewater Art Center and Gallery, at 223 E. Weber Avenue, incorporates their monthly "Meet the Artist" reception into the Downtown Art Walk. Plentiful, secure parking is conveniently located within the event footprint.

Volunteers provide the cleanup and staffing. Art goes up in the afternoon, the public views in the evening, and everything is removed that same night – a moveable feast for the eyes and ears! All exhibits, demonstrations and entertainment, including live music, are free of charge and artists may sell their work without payment of a fee or commission.

Visitors simply pick up a bright, yellow Guide from any volunteer at any venue and proceed at their own pace, visiting as many galleries as time, and energy, permits. The public is invited to meet the artists, watch them demonstrate and enjoy the refreshments offered at many venues. Art Walk participants should prepare to be surprised by the wide array of artistic styles that are represented by the "galleries", from landscapes to cutting-edge contemporary, from paintings to pottery. Many venues also offer performance art, ranging from music to poetry. With the variety of offerings, the Downtown Art Walk keeps its audience on their cultural toes! The Art Walk is also a great place to "people watch", as the art-walking public itself offers up a wide slice of life, mixing young and old, locals and visitors of all kinds.

The Art Walk has served as a major arts catalyst in the downtown, attracting Lincoln High School’s two-day Italian Street Painting Festival, a Classic Film Series and an outdoor concert series.

Attracting over 3,000 participants in its first year, restaurants within the footprint reported a noticeable increase in business on Art Walk evenings. The Art Walk supports downtown businesses, introducing over 500 people each month to revitalization successes, and provides critical support to artists and permanent downtown galleries. For additional information about the Art Walk, or to display your art, contact The Downtown Stockton Alliance at 464-5246.