BEVERLY — A big check promises to have an equally big impact on the arts in Beverly and Morgan Park.
Organizers of the Beverly Art Walk received a $5,000 donation Monday from Mariano's in nearby Evergreen Park. The sprawling grocery store at 2559 W. 95th St. opened Tuesday morning.
"We can do a lot with a little, and a gift of this magnitude will support upcoming events including pop-up exhibitions and the 2015 Art Walk. But more importantly, it will get us one step closer to our goal of having a permanent space for exhibitions and artist studio space in Beverly," said Monica Wilczak of Beverly.
Wilczak was one of the coordinators of the Beverly Art Walk. The event on Oct. 11 featured "pop-up" art galleries, which converted area businesses, vacant buildings and backyards into makeshift art exhibits. Visitors were given a map of the various galleries and encouraged to check out the sites along the way.
In the wake of the event, Wilczak and others founded the Beverly Area Arts Alliance. This nonprofit group raises money for the upcoming art walk on Oct. 3 as well as other artistic endeavors in the neighborhood throughout the year.
One idea on the table is a pop-up gallery in Beverly somewhere along the 95th Street shopping district in May. Lead curator Sal Campbell is already working with Erin Healy Ross, executive director of the 95th Street Beverly Hills Business Association, to identify a site.
The donation from Mariano's matches a donation organizers of the Beverly Art Walk received last year from Beverly Bank. A mural by artist Matt Hoffman was also installed on the bank's branch at 1908 W. 103rd St. as part of the event.
Wilczak said the Mariano's donation and store opening left her with a good feeling. Looking back, she's confident more sponsors will step forward and continue building momentum towards the 2015 Beverly Art Walk.
"The most memorable part about the store was Mr. Mariano welcoming guests as they entered. And the sushi was great," she said.
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