ROSE EASON, executive director at gallupARTS, understands the draw of a good art walk. She often coordinates new exhibition openings at the two galleries she oversees—ART123 and LOOM Indigenous Art Gallery—with the monthly Gallup Arts Crawl. “It feels like the community comes together in a true way,” Eason says. While art walks may not be fancy juried affairs, they are true reflections of the communities and feature price points that may be friendlier for newer collectors. “They are a way to really be immersed in the art scene and to feel the vibrancy of creativity in a particular community,” says Eason.
Get to know the artists. “Artists really like sharing their inspirations and process,” says Eason. “Galleries host artist talks and openings. The whole idea is to support the local arts economy; it’s a mutually supportive thing.”
Seize culinary opportunities. “Usually there are food trucks, and restaurants are open,” she says. “So plan on eating during the art walk.”
Bring the kids. “People think of galleries as not really kid-friendly spaces, but during arts crawls, there are kid-friendly events,” she says. “In Gallup, we do a family craft in the Second Street Event Center. It’s open to kids of all ages.”
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