Local art, loud music and delicious food were put on display at the 11th annual Walkerville Art Walk and Rock, but it was the historical neighborhood that was the hot topic Saturday.
Windsor’s revived commercial businesses and restored buildings are putting the Walkerville area back on the map, and made this year’s event bigger than ever.
“Seems like there is a renaissance going on – once again – in Walkerville,” said Elaine Weeks, co-author of 500 Ways You Know You’re From Windsor.
“I grew up here and moved away, but moved back 15 years ago. I’ve seen the ups and downs of Walkerville. Though, I feel this time it’s the best I’ve seen, in terms of the number of businesses open and restaurants. I feel a really good energy here. It’s very positive.”
Weeks and her husband, Chris Edwards, have participated in every Walkerville Art Walk and Rock since the event began 11 years ago. They’ve sold books and historical images, and they’ve done many tours around the neighborhood.
Well educated in her history of Windsor and the Walkerville area, Weeks said she is looking forward to the Tivoli Theatre – the Walkerville Theatre – reopening in the near future. After the theatre was recently purchased by Mary and Andy Lambros, they plan on refurbishing the building and to use it as a venue for the arts.
They plan on calling it the Old Walkerville Theatre.
“There was big gap at that part of the street and that will add more life there once again,” she said. “All those places were empty for years and now they’re coming back.”
John Qare, a local tile installer and owner of Johnny Q mosaic art and housewares, agrees that the Walkerville area is booming and looking better than ever.
“It’s definitely changing, it’s growing and it’s beautiful,” Qare said. “People are making it a good, clean environment again. The stores are doing well, being successful, changing their look and making it look artsy.”
People were able to walk the streets in Walkerville as certain roads were closed for the first time in 11 years. Wyandotte Street East is closed between Gladstone and Devonshire, and Argyle Street north of Wyandotte Street is also closed until 4 p.m. Sunday.
Ware, participating in the Art Walk and Rock for the third year, said this year’s event is bigger than the past two years.
“The roads are blocked off and a lot of people are walking around,” he said. “It’s just going to get bigger. More artists are going to be encouraged to come out here and setup shop, and show people their work. It’s not necessarily about sales, it’s the exposure.”
The Walkerville Brewery didn’t shy away from the action. In partnership with Walkerville BIA Art Walk and Rock, the brewery hosted over 20 vendors inside and outside in their event called Luv Local Windsor-Essex Creates.
With work presented by local artisans and crafters, such as leather, glass, clay, paper and much more, it gave gifted Windsorites another venue to show off their talents.
Julie Bell, organizer of the Luv Local event, said there is no other place like the Walkerville Brewery and would do it again next year if she was invited.
With over 600 people coming through the doors on Saturday, Bell said she owes it to the new Walkerville look. Living in the area for over 15 years, she has witnessed the growth with her own eyes.
“It’s just wonderful,” she said. “It’s great to see a vibrant neighborhood like this, with a BIA that does so much for the neighborhood to bring people in. It’s – wow – I’m really excited. My husband and I are out in the neighborhood every weekend.”
Every vendor stated they enjoy the renewed appearance of the neighborhood, but also how they keep the heritage of the older Walkerville.
“We come from that history,” Qare said. “We’re evolving from that history – it’s important.”
Painters, sculptors, graffiti artists, photographers, authors, musicians and much more, not only showed off the artistic talent of the Windsor community, but they helped display a vibrant culture in the Walkerville community – something that has been around for many years.
“Without Walkerville, Windsor would be a much different place,” Weeks said. “Walkerville adds a whole other dimension to the city. I’m really happy there is so much heritage preserved here. Not only is it a wonderful place historically but the modern energy is really wonderful to see.”
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