WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A new outdoor art event is being put on by the Wausau River District this week.
The Art Stroll in Downtown Wausau begins Wednesday evening in conjunction with Dining on the Street and will run into the end of the day on Saturday, September 26th. The event hosted by the Wausau River District, will feature local artists work in the windows of downtown Wausau buisnesses that residents and visitors alike can vote on for Best in Show.
Wausau River District Executive Director Blake Opal-Wahoske says the impromptu event is to take the place of their annual Exhibitour event. “Since we weren’t able to host our annual wine walk and arts stroll Exhibitour, we’re just doing a regular arts stroll downtown showcasing local artists inside of our small buisnesses. So you can come on downtown and cast your vote for the Best in Show for a chance to win a prize basket valued at $250.”
Opal-Wahoske says the prize basket will feature items from all 12 participating downtown buisnesses, representing a good mix of what the downtown small buisness scene has to offer. Participating buisnesses include Evolutions in Design, Sweets on Third, Nicole’s Boutique, Voss Studios, Back When Cafe, Marathon County Literacy Council, Center for Visual Arts, Grand Theater, 319 Gallery, CPR Cell Phone Repair, The Mint Cafe, The Lamplighter, Lemongrass, Polito’s Pizza, and Sweet Lola’s.
Opal-Wahoske explains it was important for the Wausau River District to find an alternative to Exhibitour this fall to support the local arts community that is unique to the Wausau area. “Our local arts scene is something that is a unique asset to the Wausau community. And that’s another reason why the Wausau River District wanted to create a new opportunity for our artists during this unprecidented time.”
Residents and visitors who come downtown to see the art can expect a wide array of pieces and mediums according to Opal-Wahoske. “We have everything from a ceramist artist all the way up to an oil painter. So we have definetly a mixed media throughout the entire district for people to check out. And we know it’s especially important right now with this being right around the time that the International Birds in Art exhibit is going on.”
An event map and text to vote instructions can be found for the Art Stroll at both participating downtown businesses and on the Wausau River District’s website and Facebook page. Voting for the Art Stroll runs through the end of the day on Saturday, September 26th.
