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Walk into some art tonight in downtown Aurora

Posted October 08, 2009 11:00 pm

By Justin Kmitch

Downtown Aurora's arts and business communities will merge tonight as several downtown Aurora businesses, like River's Edge Cafe and River Breeze Gallery open their doors to host local artists.

Aurora's ArtWalk - the third installment of the display of creativity, and the second of this year - runs 6 to 9 p.m. today in downtown Aurora.

Throughout the event, artists will not only display several of their pieces but also create new ones on the spot in media and genres ranging from Latin Swing music to sculpting.

The event is sponsored by Aurora Downtown in conjunction with the city of Aurora, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and a group of more than 50 local volunteers, artists, property owners and business owners calling themselves the Cultural Creatives.

Karen Christensen, Aurora Development Coordinator and a member of the creatives, said the ArtWalk will be a "visual, tactile and auditory assault on the senses."

"More than 30 of our local artisans will be painting, sculpting, drawing, singing, strumming and even performing magic throughout downtown," Christensen said. "And this year we've already seen the quality of work from our participants improve greatly enough for us to be able to roll the application fees into prize money for the best of show as selected by our jury."

A highlight, Christensen said, is expected to be a collection of vintage magic show posters being displayed by former magician and current deputy director of SciTech, David Alexander.

"I hear those are just some beautiful old pieces that are likely to take many back to their childhood and the magic shows we've all seen as children," Christensen said.

In all, about 30 guest artists will be showcased in twelve of Aurora's historic buildings including the recently renovated Holbrook Mill on Benton and the River Breeze Lofts on River Street. Each site will feature a combination of music, performance arts, visual arts, exhibits and free refreshments.

Other venues include Back Third Audio, River's Edge Café, River Breeze Gallery, GAR Memorial Hall, Aurora Public Art and History Center, Waubonsee Community College, the Paramount Theatre, Artworks Studio and LaFrance Bakery.

ArtWalk When: 6 to 9 p.m. today Where: Multiple historic venues in downtown Aurora Info: <a href="http://auroraartwalk.com" target="new">auroraartwalk.com</a> ArtWalk artist and exhibits ArtWalk will feature works and performances by about 30 artists including: • Photographs by Thomas King • Jewelry and metal work by Jennifer Paolinelli • Acrylic paintings by Jane Wilcoxson • Pottery by Angela Janick • Watercolor paintings by Linda Carlson • Magic by David Alexander and Jeff Herrick • The David Yeager Band • Sculpture by Kai Schulte and Guy J. Bellaver • Latin swing music by Freddy C • Artwork from Waubonsee Community College students • Abstract Digital Images

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