5 Flying Monkeys, an antique store at 501 E. Main St., takes part in each Cottage Grove Art Walk by exhibiting local art, offering refreshments and welcoming customers into their store. PHOTO PROVIDED
The Cottage Grove Art Walk is something residents of Southern Lane County look forward to every summer. Created over a decade ago, this self-guided walking tour takes place in historic downtown Cottage Grove from April to October every year. Featured on the last Friday of the month, the Cottage Grove Art Walk runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is a perfect event for families and friends, whether you’re a Cottage Grove resident, or just passing through. The next Art Walk is on July 27, followed by August 31.
Many businesses in Cottage Grove take part in each Art Walk, such as The Crafty Mercantile, Five Flying Monkeys, Main Street Galleria, Imagine It Framed, Ambrose Collectables, The Bookmine, American Legion, Kalapuya Books, Delight, This and That, Studio Tattoo, Crescent Moon, Apple Pie Antiques and The Gathering Place. Many of these businesses stay open late to offer fine dining, specials and to exhibit artwork.
Several businesses, such as The Crafty Mercantile and Main Street Galleria also feature live music during the Art Walk. In July, Mary Grace, a well-known harpist, will perform at The Bookmine at 702 E. Main Street.
Each Art Walk, there are special events and entertainment lined up for visitors and participants. Buskers also make frequent appearances, and feature a variety of great music, ranging from jazz and folk music, to styles implementing harps, pianos, and many other unique instruments. Come September, a live salsa band will perform.
”You never know what you’ll hear. It’s such a great mix of different music,” Michele Rose, owner of The Crafty Mercantile said.
The Cottage Grove Art Walk offers so much more than just paintings; it incorporates all forms of expression and creativity. Music, crafts, paintings, sculptures, hands-on art and more are displayed at different exhibits throughout downtown Cottage Grove. The Bookmine routinely features local writers presenting their books, stories and poems.
This month, The Cottage Grove Art Walk is presenting work by several local young artists. Apple Pie Antiques is offering a mother and son display by Jeannie and Tyler Stone. Jeannie is displaying her beaded bracelets while Tyler is unveiling his hand-carved wooden sculptures. At the Crafty Mercantile, Michele and Fyona Rose will show their homemade jewelry to Art Walk participants. This mother and daughter team are proud to display and sell their hard work.
Each Art Walk, The Crafty Mercantile also hosts activities for children free of charge. This month, Michele Rose is ramping it up for young artists and will offer a surprise activity. In the past, Rose has led beaded bracelet projects for children.
While most art is created by locals from Cottage Grove, artists from all over Lane County have exhibited and sold their work throughout the summer. The Cottage Grove Art Walk is always looking for artists wishing to display their art as well as volunteers with fresh ideas who are interested in helping plan future events. For those interested in participating in the next Art Walk, or for those with questions and seeking additional information, contact Michele Rose at The Crafty Mercantile.
Contact Info:
Michele Rose at The Crafty Mercantile
(541) 514-0704
517 East Main St.
Cottage Grove, 97424
Facebook.com/CottageGroveArtWalk
