ArtWalk Simsbury! to Benefit ABC Program

On Saturday May 19, Hopmeadow Street will be transformed into an oasis for the arts when the work of 60 local artists will be on display in downtown Simsbury.

The first-ever ArtWalk Simsbury! was initiated by State Representative Linda Schofield with four goals in mind: To bring patrons to downtown businesses; to showcase Simsbury's talented arts community; fundraising; and for "people to have fun," Schofield said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to integrate and support a number of Simsbury’s wonderful attributes," Schofield said in a statement. "The event will showcase local artists, encourage people to walk around the very walk-able and lovely part of Simsbury’s historic town center, bring patrons to shop and eat in our diverse array of downtown merchants and restaurants, and most important raise money for and awareness of a treasured non-profit program in Simsbury:  The Simsbury A Better Chance program.” 

Artists participating in the event will donate 10 percent of all proceeds to the Simsbury ABC program, a non-profit organization that offers young men of color from disadvantaged school districts “a better chance” at education and career opportunities by living in Simsbury and attending Simsbury High School, according to a release.

Schofield is a volunteer for the ABC program and also served as ABC President for 7 years until 2009. She feels strongly about the success the program has had not only on the students who participate but also the positive effect it has on the community.

"The ABC program has been here in Simsbury for a long time," Schofield said. "The kids themselves bring some needed diversity to the high school and they clearly benefit from attending school here. And basically everybody who goes through the program gets through college and some go on to grad school."

Schofield began to organize the ArtWalk Simsbury! event last fall with the help of dozens of volunteers and hasn't stopped since.

"I didn't fully realize just how much work it was going to be," Schofield said. In May, the hard work will pay off when downtown is alive with creativity.

Painters, photographers, potters, quilters, jewelers, sculptors, furniture-makers, and woodcarvers will have an opportunity to show and sell their work.  Exhibits and events will be set up at venues along Hopmeadow Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday May 19.

The event will feature live music and dance performances throughout the day including a big band with a ballroom dance team, classical soloists, jazz, a women’s barbershop quartet, and a country rock band.  

Participants in the art walk will be treated to demonstrations, readings by poets and authors, and historical tours. The event will also feature numerous activities for children including a sidewalk chalk event, arts and crafts, and a ballet performance by the Hartt School.

“The event will be like a smorgasboard of the arts," Schofield said. "A way to taste test or sample all kinds of different art.  We want people to see that art is all around them in their everyday lives.”

For a detailed schedule of events and activities visit the ArtWalk Simsbury! website.

ArtWalk Simsbury! is a collaboration between State Representative Linda Schofield, the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, Farmington Valley Visitors Association, Simsbury Open Studios, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Martocchio Music, community volunteers, and other organizations, according to a release.

Sponsors for the ArtWalk include The Hartford Financial Services Company, CL&P, Ensign Bickford, Aetna, Landmark Partners, The Keystone Companies, Paine’s, Hensley Insurance, Landworks, CIGNA, Comcast, Anthem, and Travelers.