Third Thursdays MerchantArts Walk to Launch in Downtown Pleasanton Thursday

Art is in the air... and will be every third Thursday of the month in downtown Pleasanton.

MerchantArts, a local non-profit organization for artists and merchants led by John Trefethen, will begin hosting the 3rd Thursdays MerchantArts Walk on Oct. 21 with the goal of connecting artists, downtown Pleasanton merchants and Pleasanton residents for both business and pleasure.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., eight Pleasanton businesses – Redcoats, Pans on Fire, The Berry Patch, The Rose Hotel, Studio 7 Fine Arts, Gourmet Works, Murphy's Paw and Serenity Stone Works – will keep their doors open and display works by emerging artists.

All will offer refreshments, and some will even host live music. Works will remain on display and for sale until the art is switched out for the next month's event, and commission profits will be split between the merchant and artist for every piece of art sold.

Trefethen, a Pleasanton designer, artist and programmer who said he's launched community art events in other cities, said he started the 3rd Thursdays MerchantArts Walk out of a need for more places where artists can show their work. But the event not only opens doors of opportunity for artists. It can help boost business for local merchants, plus gives Pleasanton residents a fun way to get out for the evening.

"Art collectors and gallery owners are expected to attend the event, so artists will have the opportunity to sell their work and possibly earn representation from a gallery," Trefethen said. "Merchants will build relationships and awareness, plus make commission off the works they sell."

This Thursday, featured artists will include Tom Robbins, who will show his multimedia pieces comprised of found objects at Berry Patch, and Vicki Salinas, whose vibrant photographs featuring nature will be on display at Redcoats. Berry Patch will help turn the night into a party with live music in the store, and a guitarist/singer will liven the street with tunes under the downtown Pleasanton arch.

"It's just a fabulous downtown event where people will be hanging out," Trefethen said.

Trefethen said getting local merchants on board hasn't been a problem, but he's working to raise awareness about the event among artists and Pleasanton residents. Artists from all locations are welcome to get involved as long as they're willing to ship their work to Pleasanton, and artists are not required to attend the event.

To participate, artists must register on the MerchantArts website for a fee, which allows them to show their work online and possibly be chosen to team up with a merchant for a future 3rd Thursdays MerchantArts Walk. Interested downtown Pleasanton merchants must pay a membership fee in exchange for advertising on the MerchantArts website and continuing participation in the event.

The event is free to attend, so all guests need to do to get involved is show up. They can also register for a free membership on the MerchantArts website, which grants them access to merchant specials, art supply discounts and more.

For more information, visit www.merchantarts.com.