BEVERLY — The Beverly Art Walk will again transform neighborhood storefronts, community spaces and homes into makeshift art galleries from noon-7 p.m. Oct. 3.
The second annual event boasts 155 artists this year — up from about 100 participants in 2014, said Monica Wilczak, one of the founders of the event.
The number of venues has also increased from 33 participating businesses and storefronts to 45. Five home studios will again showcase artwork too, said Wilczak, a Beverly resident.
"The dual purpose of the art walk is not just to promote artists but also to promote interest in our neighborhood businesses," she said.
The Beverly Art Walk is a self-guided tour of various places throughout Beverly and Morgan Park that volunteer to showcase art. About 75 percent of the artwork on display is created by neighborhood residents, Wilczak said.
All of the art is for sale during the free event, and trolleys are available to take participants from venue to venue. Some 21 musicians have also signed on to participate in the art walk this year — up from 15 last year.
Here's a few can't miss places to check out on the tour:
No. 1 — The Trinity United Methodist Church will be transformed into a performing arts center for the 2015 art walk. The church at 9848 S. Winchester Ave. in Beverly will host puppeteers, opera singers, professional dancers and more. For a full schedule of the performances, check out the Beverly Area Arts Alliance's website.
No. 2 — The Queen of Luxuria has chronicled the life stories of eight community elders. Carson Little has worked with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and been performing as the Queen since 2008. Her project for the art walk takes the history of these longtime residents and captures them in poetry.
The poetry is then paired with music and performed at places throughout Beverly that are meaningful to the subject. A special trolley will take those interested in the pieces from place to place courtesy of the Beverly Bank with support from Smith Village and the Ridge Historical Society.
Those viewing the performance pieces are also invited to share their own meaningful moments with performers on the day of the art walk. Those stories will be translated into poetry and music on the spot.
No. 3 — King Lockhart Park at 10609 S. Western Ave. in Beverly will be a dedicated children's area. The gated park dedicated the late Patrick King and Anthony Lockhart will offer children an opportunity to decorate their own cupcakes thanks to Chicago Creampuffs & Cakes in Morgan Park.
Custom coloring books from the Ed Paschke Art Center will also be available, and children will enjoy a visit from the Nature's Creatures Animal Show. This hands-on show comes courtesy of Beverly native Erin Yanz, who operates Erin’s Farm in far south suburban Monee.
No. 4 — Dance along with the Disco Dozen at the Beverly Unitarian Church. Claire Ashley will bring large, inflatable artifacts to the front lawn of the church commonly known as The Castle at 10244 S. Longwood Drive in Beverly.
The brightly-colored, interactive exhibit invites passersby to learn a dance alongside these wild-looking pieces.
No. 5 — Beverly has long been home to some exceptional artists, and the Beverly Arts Center will showcase a bit of their work. The arts center at 2407 W. 111th St. in Morgan Park will host the art walk's premier legacy exhibit.
Art from Beverly's Jack Simmerling and others will be on display along with the work of their children and other artistic family members. "Many of these people were founders of the art center," Wilczak said.
She and others started the art walk as well as the Beverly Area Arts Alliance as a way to promote the often overlooked creative community on the far Southwest Side. Wilczak believes the event has helped bond artists in the area as well.
"Every day people reach out to us to say they want to be involved," Wilczak said.
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