First Merchant and Artist Walk of the season is a hit for NPBCA
By Kyle Valentini
May 16, 2011
318
The theme for the evening was, Celebrate Spring in Downtown New Philadelphia Come Feather Your Nest with Art. The New Philadelphia Business and Community Association (NPBCA) hosted the first Merchant and Artist Walk for the season on Saturday, May 14.
Scattered rain and distant thunderstorms didnt keep the crowds away for the 23 artists and live musicians anxious to share their talents with the guests of the event.
With umbrellas in hand, guests walked from merchant to merchant to enjoy fine art and crafts displayed in local shops and businesses that are members of the NPBCA. Refreshments provided by the merchants were served at various locations.
Diane Lautenschleger, administrative director for the NPBCA, said, This is our fourth Merchant and Artist Walk and it is our largest. We have a good mix of artists, 75 percent of which are new to the event. We try to offer variety for the folks coming downtown to enjoy the art, music and merchants. The art and entertainment make a winning combination to welcome the community downtown to see the goods and services located here. It is inviting for new businesses as well when they see how we showcase our merchants located in the central business district.
Paul Werner, of Piedmont, displayed his metal art at Nelson Insurance Agency. This is my first time at the Merchant and Artist Walk, said Werner. Its been fun and I have sold work. Werner, a salvage artist and self-proclaimed wizard apprentice, is a full-time working artist. I survive because I have a lot of kind people in my life, said Werner.
Rob VanNatta, of Holmes County, showed watercolor paintings at Roberts Mens Shop. Another new artist at the event, VanNatta said the event was well organized, well attended and he was happy to be involved. I havent had the opportunity to get out and see the other artists, said VanNatta. My wife is out there enjoying it, though.
The event is becoming more and more popular, said Lautenschleger. It requires countless hours of organizing and planning. We are happy to do this for our members. We want to promote them and our beautiful downtown. So many people have helped make this a success.
It was standing room only at the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau while dancers performed from L.A.C.E.Y. Performing Arts Center.
Live music filled the air around First United Methodist Church, as the Kodachrome Babies played their versions of popular songs. The band, comprised of real-life sisters, Mallory Gerstacker on ukulele, Hannah Hubbard on guitar and Rachel Leishman on bass, harmonized vocals that could only come from sisters.
We started playing together about 18 months ago, said Hubbard. Were sisters and we enjoy spending time together.
I had always had trouble with the guitar, said Gerstacker. I had heard a ukulele and thought it was nice. I bought one and taught myself how to play it. Its been fun playing music here. We have had a lot of friends and family come out tonight. Its been a great event.
The NPBCA membership meetings are held the first Thursday of each month, at 8 a.m., at the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 124 East High Avenue. All individuals interested in growing New Philadelphia are welcome to attend.
The NPBCA has scheduled the next Merchants and Artists Walk for August 13. For more information, call 330-602-1419 or email them at npbca@newphiladelphia.org.
