South Main Street is set to become an art gallery —at least temporarily.
On Friday, Laurinburg Downtown Revitalization Corporation invites local residents as well as those visiting for the Highland Games to descend upon downtown Laurinburg to its inaugural Art Crawl.
Several local artists stationed inside businesses between Railroad and Church streets from 5 to 7 p.m. Each artist will have a selection of artwork for sale, and all are welcome to come view the offerings.
“It’s the same weekend as Highland Games and we’re hoping people will come in and need something to do,” said Terry Gallman, a member of downtown business association.
Art enthusiasts and those just interested in a downtown stroll will be able to wander at their leisure through a selection of local art, from painter Patricia Evans in Brenda’s Florist to watercolor and oil painter Emmy Gainey in Quick Copy Center.
Potter Olivia Dowdy Brown will be in Art by Design on Roper Street, with sculptor Brian Shanks in Harley’s Tuxedo. Multitalented artist Jennifer McRae will offer a display of paper art in Coffee, Tea, and Thee, while Shirt Tales will host Ted Nanopoulos’ exhibition of charcoal portraits. Rounding out the variety of art will be painter Dora Sharber in Hi-Lites.
The Art Crawl is designed to allow people to rediscover downtown Laurinburg and its potential as a vibrant commercial center, organizers said.
“Laurinburg’s downtown has a lot to offer, but most people opt to shop at the quickest places,” said Drew Sledge of Quick Copy Center. “The variety of materials downtown, the owners in the shops are incredibly pleasant, the service is A-1 in every one of the places you go, and that’s something you don’t always get in other places.”
For music lovers, a handful of local entertainers will be positioned between the artists’ stations performing bluegrass and jazz numbers. On Main Street near the Art Crawl, food will be available from 215 on Main and Downtown Deli.
“Fayetteville started their Fourth Friday this way with just artists and art exhibits and music on the street,” Gallman said. “I’ve gone to several of these and I’m hoping that we can have several of with different themes and that it can be a really cool event for downtown.”
Sledge said the Art Crawl should give visitors an idea of what Laurinburg has to offer.
“The ladies and gentlemen and children in town for the weekend are looking for things to do in the evening on Friday,” Sledge said. “This is a great way for them to see Laurinburg besides just out in the John Blue area, which is a beautiful area by itself, but also for them to see the things that the downtown area offers.”
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