So good, we forgot to take photos

I forgot to take pictures. So did my best friend who was with me at the Beech Grove Artists Collective Art Walk on Friday, August 5.

This event was a first time for us. Oh, we'd both traveled to Indianapolis before—many times—but neither of us had been to the suburb of Beech Grove or attended it First Friday community event. Therefore, both of us kept our expectations low and our hopes middling.

We were pleasantly surprised. Despite predicted (and experienced on the drive to Indy) scattered thunderstorms, the weather remained dry. Sure the heat and humidity were horrendous, but we didn't have to fight water falling from the sky, just ticks falling from the tree overhanging our table.

Upon arriving early—we're always early—we scoped out our assigned location at 405 Main Street. The sidewalk was narrower than expected, so we scrapped the planned layout of our tables. An inquiry of the business in front of which we were to display our wares denied us the opportunity to use their expansive wooden deck. The business was closed for the day, but the proprietor cited liability concerns. Oh, well, the worst they could have done was say no and that's what happened.

We lined up our tables end to end and draped eye-catching, glittering gold tablecloths at each end with a maroon one in the center to cover all four tables. We quickly discovered there was enough of a breeze to make our table easels impractical, so we stowed those away and lay our paintings flat. The two standing easels at either end of our line of tables remained. The books were displayed in center with the idea of people approaching from either end would first catch a sparkling glimpse of a gold tablecloth, then spy the colorful paintings which would draw them in. The books at the center of the table offered something else to delight the eye: something to read.

Overall we did pretty well, even though we were placed at the "bad" end of the BGAC Art Walk: most of the action (and the crowds) were at the far end of the 500 block. A steady trickle of passersby kept us on our feet despite the sweltering heat and humidity. (Many thanks go to the 5th Street Ave. Bar and Grill for allowing us the use of their restroom and their generosity in keeping us hydrated with plenty of ice and cold water.)

The locals were friendly and several stopped to chat, a pleasure even if they didn't buy anything. Many, including the businesses in front of which vendors located, hadn't known about the Art Walk. Those familiar with the event wondered aloud at the assumed cancellation of the band that was supposed to be providing live music for the Art Walk.

I've registered for the September and October Art Walks. If you live in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area, wander through and enjoy the variety of merchandse offered by local (or semi-local) artists and makers.

#artfair #communityevent #opentothepublic #firstfriday #henhousepublishing #hollybargobooks