The ArtWalk was born from synergistic brainstorming sessions between committed local artists and committed downtown business and property owners determined to see the arts thrive in downtown Aurora.
The ArtWalk is an opportunity for artists to see what possibilities are available and to showcase the beauty of many of our historical properties. It’s to inspire belief, showcase diversity and even surprise.
Consider this a “taste” of what
an art-infused
downtown Aurora can be...
aspires to be...
and will be!
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Memorable ArtWalk Moments
Following the Spring and Summer 2009 ArtWalks, contests have been held among our staff
and volunteers to collect “The Most Memorable ArtWalk Moments” -- personal experiences
that help to define why the Aurora ArtWalk is important. The entries below are just some
of our favorites, but why take our word for it -- plan on attending the next Aurora
ArtWalk on June 5th, 2010 and experiance your own “Memorable Moment”
“Angels”
Submitted by: Lynne Russell -- Oct 2009
My 6 year old granddaughter Madison was very interested in a painting done by Jane Wilcoxson (Holbrook Mill). Jane's painting was that of an angel holding a watch face as she was floating in the air. With watch faces tied to strings around here feet. Madison asked me why the watches were there. I asked Jane to come over and explain the painting to Madison. With here wonderful English accent Jane told the story of the painting while Madison was riveted to every word. Madison walked away and said, "Jane sounds just like Super Nanny!"
To see madison have so much interest in the paintings, jewelry, pottery, and photography found at Holbrook, I could tell that the love of the art had been passed down though the generations from my son, to his daughter, which truly made that wonderful evening extra special for me. I am sure Madison spent more of her weekend painting pictures of angels and thinking about that wonderful story that she heard from Jane. |
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“Three Seconds”
Submitted by: Sarah Jungels -- Oct. 2009
As the walk was winding down (around 8:30) all of the artists at our venue (Holbrook Mill) gave a little speech about the art they had brought to the walk and how they got involved in their field of art. My favorite quote was from Thomas King (photographer) who said “If you can get someone to look at your picture for more than three seconds ---then it is a success. You have made an impact.” Now every time I look at a piece of art I am going to want to know how long I looked at it! |
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“Unexpectedly Touched”
Submitted by: Kristin LaTour -- Oct. 2009
My most memorable moment came from talking with a visitor to the high school student art show in River Street. This man was a resident of Aurora who hadn't heard of the ArtWalk, but just came in to see what was going on. I approached him as her was looking at their drawings to welcome him, and we started talking about the care and details the students had so obviously put into their work. He was so impressed with the student's artwork, that he explained he was inspired to go home and draw. He wished he could take classes, and I had one of the student's teachers come over and talk to him about the opportunities to learn drawing. His face just lit up as he looked at the art he liked -- making several trips around the room. He came up to me and thanked me before he left. I am so glad that someone was unexpectedly touched by the student's work, and left feeling so inspired. How wonderful! |
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“The Buzz on the Bridge”
Submitted by: Irene Pelan -- March 2009
My evening started when I got off work at 4:00 pm. While I was getting ready I wondered if I had made a mistake volunteering for this event. I got involved because Dee’s email was full of enthusiasm and even though I have not much artistic talent, I love enthusiasm, and it’s contagious. After the first volunteer meeting I again wondered what I had gotten myself into. There was still plenty of enthusiasm but I didn’t really know anybody involved except for Linda and Dee and wondered why I thought this would be a good thing. Well, let me tell you. After I got ready that night, I walked across the street to Public Art just to kill some time. I walked in and was warmly greeted, soft music was playing and the atmosphere was electric. I then walked over to the Fire Museum and helped get ready for the event. At 6:00 pm I walked over to the Paramount to register as a volunteer and pick up our bag of goodies.
My most memorable moment was a series of little moments that transpired. As I began my walk back to the museum with my balloons and my bag of goodies, I was stopped on the bridge and asked what the balloons were for. It was an elderly couple and I explained to them what would be taking place that evening and encouraged them to check it out. A couple more blocks and a car went by and honked and gave me a thumbs up. I walked by a couple of the other venues and people were buzzing around getting ready. I stopped in front of the museum to tie the balloons to the sign out front. I walked by the dry ice breathing dragon sculpture and by the time I walked into the museum, I was so excited I could hardly stand it. The sculptures were in place, the food had arrived and the musicians were warming up. Meeting the artists, watching the talent, watching the reactions of the people attending, getting to be a part of, was all memorable moments. Wow, what an amazing group of passionate talented artists and volunteers. By stepping out of my comfort zone I ended up with a whole bunch of amazing new friends! |
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“Joyful Reunion on the Sidewalk”
Submitted by: John Jerrard -- March 2009
It’s not rare to see people walking and talking in downtown Aurora on a Friday night. It’s more likely to see them though, alone or in pairs, hurrying to or from their parking spaces. The Aurora ArtWalk brought a new sight to my eyes last Friday evening, groups of people casually strolling thru the downtown area. Not just in pairs either, parties as large as eight, chatting and window shopping.
The most memorable sight was two groups of long-lost friends or relatives meeting in a joyful reunion. There must have been twelve of them, all talking at the same time. They were gesturing and hugging, laughing and shouting, and all having a marvelous time. I guess they must have been relatives because everyone was talking, even the littlest kids. In fact there was a baby in a stroller who was contentedly babbling to whomever would listen and then shrieking in delight.
The raw springtime weather didn’t distract them, they stayed outside my volunteer station for quite a while. I motioned them to come inside the Balderas Beauty Salon several times, but everyone in their group was so engrossed in their reunion that I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. That was OK though because dozens more ArtWalkers, squeezing by on the crowded sidewalk, got to enjoy their reunion too. |
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“Oh What a Night!”
Submitted by: Delia Nila Basile -- March 2009
Oh What a Night! I had so much pleasure this past Friday night, it’s like a climax that never ends. As I recant my thoughts, I am grateful, so grateful, because the memorable moments of the evening will have to remain preserved until September. My evening began as I walked to the Paramount encountering three volunteers. How did I know? They were all dressed in black, energetic and eager to meet and greet the anticipated crowds. Upon checking in I made my way to the Fire Museum, greeting by a mammoth sculpture; I encountered the welcoming staff so glad I was there, a reading of early Aurora was taking place, and one could have heard a pin drop. I visited the artisans in the adjacent room; I could have stayed there for the evening, but needed to move on.
The streets were a scape of urban life; on to the salon where the staff was in place, the harpist had begun and the artist was looking for a wine screw. Too much fun! I checked in at LeFrance, and the outside of the store was just as crowded as the inside. The ambiance was tremendous. I purchased a bright colored flower from the textile artist, and had a sample of tres leche, greeted the producer and staff then on to my next location.
There too, there were people clustered in front of Budget Finance, and Aurora Fast Print, I could barely get in. The crowd was eager with anticipation as the entertainment assembled. Oh my goodness! The belly dancers! They were so great, you couldn’t help but gyrate. And I did, so much that they invited me in their harem. If I say so myself; I was good. I met the artist, asked about her technique because her landscapes looked alive, she said the process is relatively new and went on to explain. Each time a new batch of visitors entered the location I would introduce the artist and ask her to raise her hand, sometimes the crowd was so large you didn’t know who was who. I wanted her to be recognized; I did the same for the dulcimerist, every 15 minutes I would pass out ballots and remind the guests to please take a moment to vote.
Time for me to move on to Gallery 44, I was in artist heaven. There was so much to behold, people to meet and treasures to cherish. Upon leaving, it was so impressive to see a volunteer stopping traffic to help the crowds cross the street. I just had to take his picture, several times. It doesn’t matter where you were, you could not escape the “awe.” Back to the Paramount to see the last exhibit and close out the evening with jubilation. At the finale, the belly dancers once again graced us with curvaceous moves and it turns out that my artist came in 1st place at the end of the evening and the dulcimerist came in 2nd place. They both made a point of locating me at the end of the evening saying what a difference I made for them by marketing them and making them so visible. Jokingly they said I should be their manager. The entire evening was my memorable moment and a night I will remember. |
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WHO • • • • • WHAT • • • • • WHEN • • • • • WHERE • • • • • WHY • • • • • HOW
Aurora ArtWalk • in Downtown Aurora, IL
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