Once a month the city of San Antonio is host to an Art Walk. The Art Walk typically takes place on the very first Friday of each month. Art Walk is an event that promotes original art by local artists from San Antonio. It gives lesser known artists an outlet and place to display their work and garner recognition for their talent. The Art Walk encourages both culture and development by bringing the residents together to experience creativity. The San Antonio Art Walk takes place in an area called Southtown. The Southtown area is the city's Arts District and is filled with museums, galleries, and shopping. Southtown has been the place of the Art Walk for many years.
The Art Walk itself is located on South Alamo Street and continues on to the Blue Star Arts Complex. Many locals and tourists attend the Art Walk to soak up the culture and socialize. Thousands of people visit the Art Walk throughout the year giving immense exposure for the work of those who participate. A variety of artists participate filling the Southtown area with fresh art work every week. Most of the galleries that display the art are open from 6PM-10PM and are all located within walking distance from each other. Art lovers can wander from space to space and enjoy the sights.
Besides good art, First Friday also has plenty of live music for those who appreciate the various sounds of local bands and musicians. San Antonio is a diverse city with a large range of musical tastes and genres. At the Art Walk, all types of music from Tango to Jazz are performed by local musicians. The music is incorporated to create a festive ambiance at the Art Walk. Although plenty of tourists from other cities and states visit the Art Walk, the event has become a favorite of local residents. The Southtown Arts District is filled with so many activities most tourists who are in the city for a short duration may feel they don't have enough time to browse all of the art, food, and other festivities available. Local San Antonio residents who are not pressed for time are able to better enjoy the Art Walk and fully take in the sights.
Vendors who wish to participate in the Art Walk must have some creative way to contribute to the festivities whether it is through art, food, culture, or music. Every visitor is expected to have a permit that can be obtained through the city of San Antonio. A one year permit cost $180. Vendors can apply for the permit by contacting the Police Department and filling out the necessary paperwork. Once the vendor receives the permit further arrangements must be made with the property owners participating in the Art Walk.
The Art Walk also encourages other artisans that participate in craft work such as sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Various artisans offer a large range of creative items that visitors to the Art Walk can purchase. Many visitors who attend the Art Walk go to the event to specifically buy unique jewelry, furniture, or conversation pieces that cannot be found elsewhere in the city.
