Art Walk Lands Top Tourism Award

PRESS RELEASE

COLUMBUS, MS. (2017) – The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named Art Walk Downtown as one
of the “STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast” for September 2017! It has been stated that the best of
things come in threes. Main Street Columbus can now add the Art Walk Downtown event to their
Market Street Festival and Wassail Fest selections for 2017! Main Street Columbus and the Columbus
Arts Council, who partnered four years ago to create the Art Walk, are delighted over the event’s
recognition as they strive to make the general public aware of the diversity and quality of art located
within our community.

The Art Walk, which grows each year, began with local artists being paired with downtown business
owners so that their art could be displayed inside a merchant’s shop, thus attracting visitors and
shoppers to the participating store as well. However, in just four short years, the event has grown so
that artists can also be found lining the sidewalks and in Leadership Plaza, along with local musicians
who add a warm, hometown feel to the evening.
Barbara Bigelow, Executive Director of Main Street Columbus, says, “We enjoy partnering with the
Columbus Arts Council each year so that this fabulous community event can take place in our historic
downtown area. We have such wonderful local artists and our Art Walk Downtown allows them an
opportunity to showcase their talents. We believe that having a well-defined art and cultural district
proves vital and is a part of today’s new economy. I am pleased and confident in saying that both
Main Street Columbus and the Columbus Arts Council are proud to support it!”
This free, downtown event brings not only art lovers and shoppers, but also interested residents and
visitors to our historic Downtown for an extraordinary, creative experience. Over 20 businesses
participate in this annual event as it gives locals and tourists the opportunity to purchase fine art,
meet the artists, take advantage of in-store discounts and promotions, and enjoy music in the streets
provided by local entertainers.
Beverly Norris, Columbus Art Council Program Manager, added, “It’s wonderful to see folks of all ages
out enjoying themselves, visiting downtown shops, and getting exposed to original art and great
music all at the same time. Columbus has really come together to support this, and with the
participation of the downtown businesses and the talented artists, Art Walk Downtown has grown
into a fun community event that has something for everyone.”