Take An Artistic Stroll Down Main Street

This will be the first year Charles Davis will participate in ArtWalk.

Davis is a woodworker who left the software industry a year ago.

“I have been pouring my energy into my craft and attempting to start a small business doing what I love,” said Davis. “For me, ArtWalk is essentially where I will launch my business, Wood Zealot’s Workshop.”

For Davis and the other artists, ArtWalk is a chance to showcase their art.

ArtWalk, is held the second Friday of the month from May through October. It is sponsored by the Moorestown Business Association and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday.

ArtWalk, which began in 2006, was started by Richard Cardona and Alison Judah, Main Street residents and the owners of Hypno Design. The MBA took over ArtWalk in 2009. This year’s first ArtWalk will feature about 20 artists and musicians.

“It brings business into town,” said Hala Al-Shawaf, artist coordinator of ArtWalk. “Main Street becomes more of a cultural center.”

The event, Al-Shawaf said, combines artistic passion with business sense.

Davis will be bringing his keepsake/jewelry boxes to his first event.

“With my keepsake boxes, I tend to use expensive, difficult to work, figured and exotic lumber,” Davis said.

He decided to participate in ArtWalk for several reasons.

“The obvious is sales,” he said. “Marketing and getting my store brand out there is another. Lastly, being able to have potential customers pick-up my work and give me feedback about what they like and don’t like is crucial to me at this early stage when I’m trying to find my niche.”

Among the other artists participating is Anita DiPietro. DiPietro, who makes jewelry, began participating in 2007. She is also a past volunteer.

“I decided to participate in ArtWalk because I ha been making jewelry since 2006 and thought it was a great way to promote my art with minimal cost,” she said.

DiPietro’s work has gained a following and she attributes some of that success to ArtWalk.

“I truly enjoy the experience of educating people about my work and encouraging them to come back and see all of the talented artists who participate in this wonderful event,” she said.

Nina Gerhold of Green Cow Studio, will be participating in her third year of ArtWalk. She began participating because she felt it would be a good way to support the MBA and Main Street businesses.

“It has allowed us to interact more with our customers and to get input on our products, which has allowed us to make them better,” said Gerhold, whose company makes gourmet soaps. “We have made valuable contacts and friendships at ArtWalk.

“They are partly responsible for my being able to make the move to being a full-time soapmaker this year and I am thankful to them.”

ArtWalk will also include entertainment and later hours for many of Main Street’s businesses.