Morristown Art Walk on May 6 will showcase 50 artists

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Julie Friedman, painter and Morristown business owner, had an idea.

She envisioned a walking tour of studios at ArtSpace on Elm Street and the Morris County Art Association on Catherine Lane.  She hoped non-art-specific businesses would host even more artists for a free, one-day community event.

art walk posterA few key conversations and emails later, more than 50 area artists are prepared to come together for the first Morristown Art Walk: Where Artists are Everywhere.  This multi-venue event will be held in Morristown on Sunday, May 6, from noon-5 pm between Elm Street and the Morristown Green.

Great ideas are nothing new for Julie Friedman.  Her ArtSpace Studio was founded at 14 Elm St. in Morristown in 2007 as a space where artists could share their creative energy.  Today 11 artists work there.  ArtSpace will act as Command Central for the Morristown Art Walk.

Friedman also is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Professional in the Arts award from the Arts Council of the Morris Area, arguably the highest honor available to a local professional in the Arts.

“Julie is a successful leader in the community.  She has a long and steady reputation both as an artist and as a person that really did create a community over at her studio,” says Kadie Dempsey, the local arts director for the Arts Council of the Morris Area.

Julie Friedman in her ArtSpace Studio in Morristown
Julie Friedman in her ArtSpace Studio in Morristown

Dempsey says rents at ArtSpace are affordable, and for many artists there it’s their first studio space.

“I love the camaraderie between the artists. Something so simple as eating lunch together has created a very communal experience, artists talking and sharing with other artists,” she says.

Friedman has organized a team of artists to make for a smooth event on May 6. Designer Diane Revels has worked on graphics and artist Joan Lamensdorf has created a user-friendly map with information about each artist. Both of these artists will be exhibiting their work during the Morristown Art Walk.

Through the display of artwork in designated areas in downtown Morristown, the tour will provide exposure for the artists and an opportunity to sell their work, connect with the community and promote Morristown as a center for art, according to Friedman.

Locations include ZEBU Forno, which invites artists into its space at 9 South St. for monthly gallery openings and for portrait drawing sessions every Sunday. Tart & Tufo, Sweet Lucy’s Bakery and Lauren B., all on South Street, will invite artists to create pop-up studios on May 6.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will welcome Art Walk guests to the MG Kids Art Show, a joint effort with MorristownGreen.com that runs from April 27 to May 13.

On-the-spot portrait by Marilyn Rose.
On-the-spot portrait by Marilyn Rose.

Artist Marilyn Rose has been drawing and painting at ZEBU Forno for months and will be sharing her work and creating portraits on the spot on May 6th.

“You could buy a painting and a pastry.  Or a yogurt and a sculpture.  Or a dress from Lauren B. and a piece of hand-crafted art jewelry.  Or just enjoy the day talking to artists and seeing many of us in action.  The Morristown Art Walk is win-win-win kind of thing,” says Danielle Merzatta, another local artist contributing to the event.

“Everyone knows Morristown for its bars, but there is a whole lot more going on,” says Linda Mead, who will exhibit her etchings during the Morristown Art Walk.

Friedman says she “wants to build on the good vibes in Morristown.  Shops!  Restaurants!  And artists too.”

Artists want Morristown to become a center for the arts and are working to make it happen. Maps will be available at all locations hosting artists on May 6, and locations will be clearly marked with balloons and signs.

Participating locations:

ArtSpace Studio, 14 Elm St.
Morris County Art Association, 10 Catherine Lane
Glassworks Studio, 151 South St.
Lauren B, 55 South St.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 121 South St.
Sweet Lucy’s Bakery, 56 South St.
Tart & Tufo, 78 South St.
The Gallery at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St.
ZEBU Forno, 9 South St.

Participating artists:

Peter Allen, Morristown
Karen Cohen, Morristown
Isabel Creighton, Randolph
Elaine Denton, Livingston
Maryann Didriksen, Rockaway
Ward Dill, Chatham
Peggy Dressel, Oakland
Jennifer Dutell, Chatham
Mike Dziomba, Mendham
Bill Fagnant, Chatham
Pat Flaherty, North Caldwell
Celeste Fondaco, Chatham
Julie Friedman, Mendham
Yolanda Fundora, Chatham
Colleen Gallo, Boonton
Laura Gerry, Boonton
Pam Gosner, Chatham
Annette Hanna, Morristown
Alice Harrison, Morristown
Carol Johnson, Morristown
Laurie J. Kalb, Morristown
Jean Kelly, Pompton Plains
Joan Lamensdorf, Madison
Betty McGeehan, Morristown
Chris & Danielle Merzatta, Mendham
Dannielle Mick, Parsippany
Nina Nemeth, Montville
Elaine Provost, Denville
Diane Revels, Bernardsville
Joni Rose, Chatham
Marilyn Rose, West  Caldwell
Anju Saran, Parsippany
Donna Saiewitz, Parsippany
Michael Shacham, Totowa
June Shatken, Brookside
Daniel Sroka, Morristown
Victoria Starger, Mountain Lakes
Dennis Tepperman, Millington
Karen Tighe, Succasunna
Barbara Uhr, Westfield
David Walkey Hill, Chatham
Nora Winn, Saddle River

'Spring,' a pastel painting by Julie Friedman
'Spring,' a pastel painting by Julie Friedman

 

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