A Look Back At How The Beverly Art Walk Began

CHICAGO, IL - Six years ago, Sal Campbell and Monica Wilczak would not have recognized each other had they crossed paths in the neighborhood. Both longtime Beverly/Morgan Park residents, the two shared at least two commonalities though. They were both regular clients of hairdresser Megan Barba of Tranquility Salon on 99th and Walden Parkway and both had a desire to see an art walk come to the neighborhood.

So naturally Barba noticed this commonality and introduced the two. The result was the creation of one of the largest annual events in the neighborhood as the Beverly Art Walk enters its fifth year this weekend.

"We both wanted to do something like this for a long time," said Campbell. "And on the first day we met, we knew we were going to do this."

At first, Campbell says the plan was to just have about 20 artists lined up on a few neighborhood blocks. But when time came to organize the first Beverly Art Walk in 2014 there were nearly 100 artists taking up 30 different venues.

"It has grown consistently since then, too," Campbell said, noting that this Saturday's event will include about 200 artists at 60 venues along 99th street, 103rd Street, Western Avenue, 95th Street and residential streets throughout Beverly and Morgan Park.

Effectively doubling in size since its first year.

Campbell remembers forming the Beverly Art Walk board of directors shortly after meeting Wilczak.

"It was a perfect group that came together right away," she said. "We had a designer, builder and musician. Everyone had their specialty and that was great. We were able to cover so many different forms of art with just that first group."

Campbell says the event has "exploded" since the first year.

"We had people coming out of the woodwork suggesting great things," she said. "We've all met so many interesting and creative people. I know I've met some of my best friends through the Art Walk."

Now the Beverly Art Walk board includes Campbell, Wilczak, Chris Wilczak, Cicely Harris, Carla Winterbottom, Corinne Rose, David Barsotti, Lizzie Benner and Chris Castaneda.

"We are just a group of art nerds doing things we've always wanted to see happen," Campbell said.

If You Go

The 5th annual Beverly Art Walk will run from noon-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 at several different locations in the neighborhood.

Photo by Tim Moran / Patch