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| Outdoor artist Tom Crain painting one of his eagles in downtown Branson Studio/ |
Visitors to Branson will soon have another interesting thing to do while they are in Branson. Well, at least on the first Saturday of every month because that’s when the “First Saturday Night Stroll,” an art walk in historic downtown Branson will be held.
Starting August 2, the art stroll, patterned after art walks in other communities and sponsored by various independent businesses in the historic downtown district, will run from 4 to 9 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month. Peter Tsahiridis, one of the sponsors and organizers of the stroll, said there is growing interest in different forms of art among tourists coming to Branson and the stroll is designed to meet that interest.
Karla Daniels, who has owned the Premier Gallery in historic downtown Branson for the past year, another of the events sponsors and organizers, stated one of the primary purposes of the art stroll is to promote and feature Branson’s historic downtown district as it adds yet another exciting event to the list of things visitors can do when they visit Branson. She said the stroll will educate visitors and residents alike about art in general as it increases their awareness about the different types of art and artists available in the Branson area.
Daniels pointed out in the downtown area alone there is a variety of art available from paintings of all types to etchings, sculptures, and stained glass. The art forms available in the historic downtown district run the gamut of contemporary to naturalistic outdoor and just about everything else in between.
The well known artist Tom Crain, Crain Creations, who is noted for his wildlife oil paintings and has a studio and retail establishment in Branson’s historic downtown district, said he is excited about the concept stroll. He believes the art stroll will grow into a great attraction for Branson in general and add yet another unique dimension to the historic downtown district that is consistent with the image the businesses within the district want to develop.
Crain expounded to say one of the really exciting things about the stroll is businesses can sponsor visiting artists inside their own business. He feels this will expand the number of artists and types of art available on the stroll and enhance the total art experience its participants.
Daniels said any business can sponsor an artist for the art stroll, not just those actively involved in producing or selling art. All they have to do is be willing to sponsor an artist and give them room in their establishment to display their art and talk with the art strollers who come in.
She also stated First Saturday Night Stroll art stroll maps, showing the location of each of the locations participating in the stroll, will be available at Euro Café & Creamery, Premier Gallery, and other participating locations throughout the historic downtown district. She said any business located in the historic downtown district can contact her by phone at 417-335-5088 for information on the art stroll or on how to become a sponsor.
