The Twin Cities transformed into a vibrant art haven on Thursday as the Downtown Gallery Crawl returned. Galleries on both sides of the Ouachita River showcased local artists and sold their pieces.
In Monroe, art lovers walked down Art Alley and explored the marketplace full of local artists. One of the artists at the marketplace was local painter, Peyton Ballew. At each Gallery Crawl, he displays an array of paintings inspired by Monroe’s architecture, nature and culture.
Crawlers visited The Palace Gallery, owned by the Palace Foundation. Curator Jarod Stokes collaborated with local artists to fill the gallery with unique pieces from around the area and state.
“We wanted The Palace to be a hub for things going on downtown and wanted to bring awesome cultural and artistic influences to the Downtown community,” Stokes said.
The historic Neville House acted as a must-see destination for participants. The neoclassical property preserve was built in 1905.
For those wanting to explore West Monroe, Crawl organizers offered a free wagon ride across the river to Antique Alley. Ouachita Parish 4-H took over West Monroe, featuring paintings and photographs created by high schoolers and middle schoolers.
Albritton’s Photography shop in Antique Alley welcomed locals participating in the Crawl. This store showed paintings, photography and mixed media art pieces by Rhyan Emery.
Emery said she loves giving back to the community by participating in the Crawl each year.
“I have had the privilege of participating in the Crawls throughout the years,” Emery said. “It’s been so amazing to watch them evolve and inspire our community.”
Other than the amazing art and artists, there was some delicious food and drinks to discover on the crawl.
Local food trucks parked in Alley Park for the event, and many booths sold homemade food items such as dips, bread and candies. Crawlers also won free drinks from Flying Heart Brewery by visiting all of the galleries and getting your papers checked off.
“The Crawl offers a chance to experience fun and culture in Monroe-West Monroe,” Treasurer of the Downtown Art Alliance Sheila Snow said. “Galleries feature talented artists and the live entertainment and food trucks add a little lagniappe to the evening.”
The next Downtown Gallery Crawl is on Dec. 7.
