Whoever said that art and commerce don’t mix was clearly mistaken. Since 1998 Art to the Avenue has been doing just that. Each May, with the overwhelming support of the Greenwich business community, the Arts Council turns Greenwich Avenue into a strolling gallery. The Opening Night is set for Thursday, May 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Musicians and street performers will fill the street entertaining strollers. Most of the 85 participating stores will host receptions for visitors who attend the preview of works by over 120 artists. The art selected by the retailers remains in place through Memorial Day, so there is ample time for viewers to experience the “gallery” that downtown Greenwich becomes. All the art on display is for sale, and a 30% tax deduction for the purchaser benefits the GAC. These proceeds support the important arts and outreach programs organized by the GAC in the public schools.
A complete map/guide is published listing all participants, so that individual shops, artists and locations are easy to find. These guides are inserted in the Greenwich Time and circulated to many public areas about town.
Artists performing on Opening Night May include the Greenwich High School Jazz Improv Band, The Bows, The Gracenotes, the actors, singers, performers of the Open Arts Alliance, The Riversideways, Balloonman Scotty Kazan, Tanbark, The Abby Payne four piece Band, Allegra dancers, Anitra on solos and guitar. Performers will be spread throughout the Avenue.
Art to the Avenue takes place from May 5 to 30. For more information call 203-862-6750, or go to greenwichartscouncil.org. The Greenwich Arts Council is located at 299 Greenwich Avenue, it’s handicapped accessible and open seven days per week.
