Fenton to Host Art Walk Friday

has always loved showing off her art.

Problem is, she has always had to drive hours to do so.

Not tonight, however, as the Linden resident will have her paintings on display at the Fenton Art Walk.

"I have wanted to become involved in the local art community, and I felt the Fenton Art Walk was a great way to start doing that," she said. "I’ve had my work hang in galleries in other states and cities, including ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. I am excited to take part in a local art event, and I really look forward to it."

The art walk begins at 4:30 tonight and lasts until 8 p.m. A total of 30 merchants and more than 50 artists will participate in the inaugural event, and officials are hoping hundreds of residents will join the fun.

"To me, this event is evidence our community is really coming to life," said Dr. Erica Peabody, owner of . "Fenton has a lot to offer, and this is a great way to bring people to the area. I am hearing a lot of buzz about this Friday and working to spread that excitement to the people I come in contact with. I feel the more people that get involved and participate, the better. I am hoping the great success of this event will lead to more of its kind."  

Visitors who come to a booth located in front of , 301 S. LeRoy St., can receive an artist passport, which will include instructions and artist and merchant information. People can then visit participating businesses to observe the art, meet the artists and explore what each store has to offer. Visitors will also be able to win and Fenton Patch prizes.

Fenton Patch has teamed with the Fenton Downtown Development Authority to sponsor the event, which organizers and many business owners hope will become an annual favorite.

"I wanted to be part of the Fenton Art Walk because I love and want to support the Fenton area and be involved in as much as I can," Peabody said. "I love the arts, and this is a really great way to promote that within the community. I also think it is a great excuse for some people to be introduced to some businesses that they are unfamiliar with."

Many artists believe the event will benefit Fenton as well.

"Art has a way of speaking to people in ways that words can’t, and I believe that it opens the mind to better things," Meyette Russell said. "It creates a rippling effect, opening the community and its people up to more positive things, which in turn will bring greater things to the community. Events like this can be very powerful."

The will host the Fenton Art Walk afterparty starting at 8 p.m., with live music from Mike Vial and Hanna Fralick.

Participating businesses featuring art will be Hick's Studio, Elle Marie Hair Studio, Edge Gallery, The UPS Store, Cafe of LIFE Chiropractic, Joyful Noise Music Studio, Superior Travel Service, Pipsqueak Boutique, Marjie's Gluten Free Pantry, The French Laundry, Edward Jones, Fenton Winery & Brewery, Yesterday's Treasures, Sweet Variations, Natural Elements Massage Therapy, Fenton's Open Book, Eclections, Interiors by Bonnie, Shaped by Shawn, Little Blessings Boutique, BC Comix, The Iron Grate, Mimi & Lola's, Barking Babes, Allure Hair Care, Fenton Regional Chamber, Mos' Art Jewelers, Kaleidoscope Therapeutic Touch, Kimberly Kay Furniture and Billmeier Camera Shop.