7600383424 IMG 8731 What you missed at Birmingham's 17th annual Artwalk — This past weekend Morris Avenue hosted the 17th annual Birmingham Artwalk with many artists displaying their works. Photo by Jacob Blankenship

For the past seventeen years, Birmingham has hosted an annual Artwalk in the City Center Loft District. It is a two-day event with fun for the whole family: food trucks, performances, and art galore. It caters to the economical as well as the exorbitant. This display of regional talent is a much anticipated event that is sure to entertain, located from 2nd Avenue South to 2nd Avenue North between downtown and Southside.

The mission of the Artwalk is to “Showcase established and emerging artists from the region as well as highlight ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Birmingham.”

The event

D7063B24 3EEA 4F27 A385 0298CBE50CC2 What you missed at Birmingham's 17th annual Artwalk — Over one-hundred artists, performers, food caters, and many more show up to serve Birmingham with their talents. Photo by Holly Moore

Hosted by a non-profit organization, artists and shop owners set up tents or use the space generously provided by bars, shops, galleries, lofts, and restaurants. Since 2002, the community has been coming together with the help of dedicated volunteers and many businesses who share their space in order to support the accumulation of accomplishments by local artists.

718EA42F 0907 44BE 812A C1A7D20D0166 What you missed at Birmingham's 17th annual Artwalk — Fused glass by Aysen Czurgel. Photo by Holly Moore

Friday night

Some compare the Artwalk on Friday night to a gallery opening with live shows. Showcasing their talent, dancers and bands perform in an up-close-and-personal space, which allows the audience to feel connected with the artist.

The artists

114634FA 0AB4 44FA 92FB 96BC64909A19 What you missed at Birmingham's 17th annual Artwalk — Aysen Czurgel, originally from Germany, has found a home in Birmingham. She creates stunningly beautiful and detailed fused glass artwork. Photo by Holly Moore

Each artist is from the Birmingham region and must submit their applications to be in the show in June. The architecture of the City Center Loft District compliments the locals’ craftsmanship.

233A70C2 8564 4936 B8D4 B103B827D79E What you missed at Birmingham's 17th annual Artwalk — Becky Denny and her daughter sell fun pieces for the home as well as collecting ephemera that others would consider invaluable. Photo by Holly Moore

New acquaintances at an art show can be inspiring. Becky Denny, well-known for her pet portraits, is one of those down-to-earth, uniquely brilliant artists. While speaking with her, she discussed a French bull dog that she had met earlier in the day. In her mind, she pictured him wearing a James Dean shirt with cropped sleeves. Her daughter suggested an “I love mom” heart tattoo. From one encounter, Becky Denny can see the personality of beloved pets come to life.

IMG 5070 What you missed at Birmingham's 17th annual Artwalk — Creating powerful art, Artes Hicks hopes her work makes viewers question their own train of thought and eventually come to their own conclusions. Photo by Jacob Blankenship

The Birmingham Artwalk is a portrayal of this regions’ talented and driven artists. With a plethora of mediums, this free event was the perfect way to kickoff the weekend by walking the streets and observing the genius expertise of so many locals.