Stroll, shop and see local artwork in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM — People can spend their Thursday afternoon downtown surrounded by art in some of their favorite stores.

Merchants throughout the Birmingham Shopping District will be involved in an event that promotes community engagement and local artists.

The Birmingham Shopping District’s inaugural Birmingham Art Walk event will be held 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13.

“The Birmingham Art Walk is unique in that it is an evening strolling event,” BSD Public Relations Specialist Erika Bassett said.

St. Croix Shop, Viga USA, Urban Wick Candle Bar, Fab’rik, Gazelle Sports, Rotate Boutique, Supernatural, Lux Travel Girl, DiMaggio Exquisite Jewelry & Fine Art, Hastens, West Elm, Anthropologie and Daxton Hotel will all be participating in the event.

Some of the businesses will also be offering promotions and refreshments to encourage people to shop around and enjoy the artwork on display.

“Birmingham is really fortunate to have many talented artists and unique local business owners that appreciate and support art in the community,” Bassett said.

While some of the businesses have provided their own artists, the BSD has also partnered with the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center to connect local artists with local businesses.

Supernatural will be hosting Megan Heeres during the Art Walk as she demonstrates the alchemy of papermaking.

“It is an honor to host her. She’s an extremely talented artist, and we are excited to showcase her and her work to our customers and the Birmingham audience,” Supernatural owner Carlie Quezada said.

Luxe Travel Girl will feature artist Jordan Carpenter, a Tennessee artist who uses charcoal and graphite. Carpenter’s work is a permanent fixture in the African American Museum in Dallas, Texas.

Ja’brion Graham, a Michigan artist who creates acrylic on canvas and wood art, will also be featured at Lux Travel Girl. Graham’s work has been displayed throughout the metro Detroit area.

A little bit of history will also be shared with the Birmingham community during the Art Walk.

At Daxton Hotel, people can learn some of the permanent pieces’ background as they go on mini-tours of the hotel’s extensive collection of artwork. Daxton is home to over 400 pieces of original artwork.

For entertainment, there will be a strolling barbershop quartet at the event.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring people downtown to not only feature some of our businesses that they may not have seen but also to see some of the local artists’ work on display,” Bassett said.

More information on the Birmingham Art Walk can be found at ALLINBirmingham.com/events.