Black Rock Art Walks 2008 Start This Weekend

BRIDGEPORT — For the fourth year in a row, Fairfield Avenue will host Black Rock Art Walks between Brewster Street and Gilman Street. Starting on May 2 and continuing through October 3, this year’s Art Walks will take place on the first and third Fridays of each month (except July 4) from 6 to 9 pm.

Area artists and craftspeople will set up their works on the sidewalks of Fairfield Avenue to display their work and meet other art enthusiasts. Area businesses and organizations such as Black Rock Art Center, Port Coffeehouse and Dish have become involved in the planning and execution of the Art Walks.

Rebecca Anderson-Furlong has been named event coordinator for the Black Rock Arts Walk Planning Committee. Also this year, the 2008 Art Walk will grant awards for Best in Show. On May 2 at 6 pm the three-member judging panel will view all exhibitors’ work. The panel includes two Bridgeporters, Gerald Moore (of Gallery 1212 at the Innovation Center) and David Flynn (Nest Arts Factory), as well as Ryan Odinak of Fairfield Arts Council. First Place and Runner Up artists in five major categories will be recognized throughout the season.

There will be a total of ten Art Walks this season. In the event of rain, the Art Walk will be held at the Black Rock Art Center, 2838 Fairfield Avenue.

Artists interested in registering for a space should contact Mary Lou Morong at 203-366-3667 or at PaddleShell@yahoo.com. Visit BlackRockArtWalk.org for more information. The events are sponsored by International Performing Arts, Inc. (IPA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the traditional arts and customs of the world, particularly those that reflect Bridgeport’s own ancestral diversity.