Walkerville art enthusiasts enjoyed a weekend of crafts, food and entertainment strolling along Wyandotte Street East without the motor vehicle traffic.
Gladstone Avenue to Devonshire Road was closed once again this year to allow pedestrians to enjoy the Walkerville Art Walk, hosted by the Walkerville BIA.
The near-perfect weather, interrupted by bouts of rain, gave strollers a chance to appreciate what the historic neighbourhood has to offer.
“I’m here actually because I did the Walkerville Art Walk a couple years prior to 2020 and it was one of the best organized (events),” said Floydilou Kerr, a Windsor artist who splits her time between the city and Mexico.
Kerr, an “expressive floral artist,” who works in improv fashion, invited participants to make their artistic contributions to a painting, and sign their names on the back of the canvas. “It was wonderful, people coming through.
“It’s a really great event, so I chose to come back. I don’t do many events like walks or festivals, but this is what I like to do,” she said.
Busker and Elvis fan, Nick Robinson strummed his guitar decked out in a black shirt, pink coveralls, two-toned shoes, and a whole lot of hair gel. Robinson is a fan of 1950s music, introduced to him by his parents.
“It just makes me feel good, that style is so simple,” he said. “It was so genuine and it wasn’t as gritty as it is today.”
Artist Martin Lacasse, who specializes in mural art and decor, said his style is romantic realism. He puts his own mark on realistic scenarios and describes his paintings as being “like a fine wine that you could enjoy over and over again.”
Lacasse appeared at a previous Walkerville Art Walk. “It’s really nice, honestly, because people are walking by, and the weather’s co-operating,” he said. “People are enjoying the paintings… so overall, I think it is a really positive vibe.”
Lacasse said he has painted more than 180 restaurants and establishments over the years. “I view (restaurants) as a gallery, so that when I’m painting.
“These places people are in a relaxed-mode setting and they’re able to enjoy art and the urban context of their environment.”
