Downtown Davis hosts 2nd Friday ArtAbout

Pence Gallery, The Artery and Logos Books led the monthly art walk across Downtown Davis in collaboration with fellow local businesses and artists

By GIA LOOMIS —city@theaggie.org

On Nov. 8, Downtown Davis hosted 2nd Friday ArtAbout. This art exhibit streams through the streets of downtown every second Friday of the month and hosts local artists and businesses as they put on special events, receptions and performances for the ArtAbout. The free art walk centers around a self-guided art tour that spawns between different art installations, local businesses and art co-ops. Attendees can choose to shop at small businesses, interact with local artists, watch live music and more.

This month’s ArtAbout featured 10 different events, installations and businesses, from Pence Gallery to Parkside Sports Bar and Grill and Outpost Burger to the Craft and Vintage Fair. Each event drew crowds of all ages throughout the night.

Many attendees began their walk at stop one on the ArtAbout map, the local artists cooperative, The Artery. From 5 to 9 p.m., guests filled the gallery’s reception honoring multiple local artists’ collections. Featured collections by Tom Babb, Rebecca Le-Babb, Jay Schreider, Linda Bird and others centered the art reception.

The unique artwork hosted by The Artery drew bustling crowds for the event as participants shopped and viewed these special collections centering around woodworks, pottery and glass-blown art.

After their first stop, many attendees explored the varying stops on the ArtAbout map at their own pace and discretion. One of the most popular stops occurred at stop six at Pence Gallery. As a co-host of the event, Pence Gallery held a lively event framed by live music, unique exhibits and their Holiday Market.

A highlight of ArtAbout took place at stop four, the Davis Craft and Vintage Fair. Located downtown in the E St. Plaza, the fair attracted interested crowds and onlookers. It boasted multiple micro-business booths selling a variety of goods including jewelry, handcrafted products and vintage clothing along with a background of ambient live music.

Local vendor Sofia Wildvine runs a small art business and has participated in the ArtAbout events on and off for around two years. Wildvine’s business includes many varying art forms and styles as she enjoys exploring different mediums.

“I love painting with acrylic, gouache and watercolor,” Wildvine said. “I also do printmaking, such as woodblock carvings, screenprints and some intaglio prints.”

Community-based events, like the ArtAbout, can be invaluable to a starting artist as it gives them a boost into the local art scene. As a long-term vendor of these events, Wildvine explained how ArtAbout has helped to support her small business and art career.

“The ArtAbout, and other events in Davis, were the launching point and starting ground for my small art business,” Wildvine said. “I was extremely nervous to start, but thanks to the support of this wonderful community and my own perseverance, I have been able to succeed in supporting myself solely through my artwork.”

Events like the ArtAbout have not only been beneficial for the artists but for attendees as well. Many students and Davis residents of all ages sprinkled the streets of downtown as they mulled between the different stops along the art tour.

Free local events like the ArtAbout help people get more involved in their community and learn about the local art scene. First-year Karin Hahn described how attending the ArtAbout served as an open door for her to the Davis art scene.

“The ArtAbout showed me how bustling of an art scene Davis has,” Hahn said. “I had no idea there were so many local artists and artistic opportunities just in downtown. After going, I definitely want to explore more community and art events.”

The 2nd Friday ArtAbout is a unique event that allows people to get involved and learn more about the local art scene while supporting local businesses and artists. The monthly event will continue every second Friday of the month across Downtown Davis.

Written By: Gia Loomis —city@theaggie.org