An easy-to-remember date, Friday the 13th, marks the opening ceremonies of the tenth iteration of Moscow’s Artwalk. The event is described by Gina Taruscio, executive director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce, as an amazing opportunity to connect with the community, and see some great art along the way.
“It’s a great chance to see your neighbors and your friends, and you get a chance to meet new people,” Taruscio said. “You get to see the great art that comes out of our community. To me, it’s similar to the (Farmer’s) Market.”
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For those who don’t know, the Farmer’s Market is a weekly event that occurs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May to October that allows local vendors to set up booths in downtown Moscow to display and sell goods and art. Taruscio also encourages people to come out and get a taste of what that weekly event is about.
Moscow’s Artwalk is essentially a large-scale version of the Farmer’s Market that encourages local artists and businesses to get more intimately involved. Over 70 local businesses open their doors for the community to come in and see art from more than 125 artists that they may otherwise never be exposed to, Taruscio said.
Along with the wide array of art displays including paintings, drawings, and sculptures, there will be lots of food and fun activities for children, as well as concerts and small music performances throughout the day and following weeks.
There is no set end date to Artwalk. Businesses are encouraged to display art and open their doors to the community for as long as they wish to do so.
“There’s art that appeals to adults, and art that appeals to children–something for everybody,” Taruscio said, adding that the wide array of food, baked goods especially, are a great way to keep young children happy and interested.
The opening ceremonies are the largest part of the event. They take place predominantly in Friendship Square and the surrounding areas, all located in downtown Moscow near Main Street.
From 3-10 p.m. on the 13th, there will be a variety of arts and craft demonstrations, live music and food. Some of the notable music acts performing include the Palouse Jazz Collective, performing from 5-6 p.m., the Moscow Arts Commission Band in the following hour, Diamond Joe from 7-8 p.m., and the Hog Heaven Big Band closing things out from 8-10 p.m.
Friday the 13th looks to be a jam-packed day, and Taruscio, on behalf of everyone involved, invites the entire community to come downtown and have some fun.
Karter Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]