Fall is almost here, and the season of the Savannah Art Walk kicked off on Saturday. I have enjoyed the monthly art walk and I think it is one of Savannah’s best free art events. However, this season they changed a few things that I think may be detrimental to discovering local art in Savannah.
First, let me start by listing the four main things that have changed.
- Last year, the hotel that hosted the opening reception has changed. It was the Bohemian Hotel, and now it is at the River Street Inn.
- The Art Walk starts earlier. It used to commence at 4PM, but now it starts at 2PM.
- The qualifications to enter the drawing has changed. Last year, you had to get your Savannah Art Map initialed by 10 venues. Now, you have to make a purchase of $20 or more and show your receipt to enter the raffle. Since you have to purchase something to enter, it is no longer a drawing, but it is now a raffle.
- The closing reception is now at the terrace pool of the Andaz Hotel. It’s very nice and relaxing, and you still get to drink a few glasses of wine.
Second, I will go over what I like this season. Changing the time to 2PM is a great idea. I think it gives both locals and tourists to do something in the afternoon after brunch and before dinner. It facilitates walking around and hanging out in historic Savannah for hours. The earlier start doesn’t disrupt evening plans as the event ends around 6PM if you don’t stay for the raffle and closing reception.
The terrace pool at the Andaz Hotel is lovely and you can dip your toes in the pool when it is warm, and sit around the fire when the weather gets cool.
Third, the changing of the venue from the Bohemian to the River Street Inn would not be a big deal if the area didn’t feel as cramped. This can be remedied easily by actually removing some of the tables and chairs. The Spider Tea cocktail sponsored by El-Rocko Lounge may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I enjoyed it.
Lastly, the most significant change is moving away from free drawing to essentially a $20 raffle. To enter the raffle at the end of the art walk, you must purchase something at one of the venues that it at least $20. If the goal is to get more people to spend money at the various venues on the art walk route, then maybe this will work. However, I personally like to talk to many artists and look at their work. Going to at least ten places to get your map signed made the art walk a game. The gamification of the art walk was a major appeal. People actually enjoy getting their maps initialed by artist, gallery owner or store employee. There are fifteen venues on the map that you can try to visit in three hours. It is very much like how people love to play Pokémon GO. Now, the incentive is gone to go to as many places as possible. It also makes it less likely that people will go farther away from the City Market and Broughton Street area. Roots Up Gallery located on Liberty Street is a great folk art gallery is one that shouldn’t be missed.
I will continue to attend Savannah Art Walk, because I like talking to artists and seeing their work. I just hope that the organizers make sure that the changes are aligned with the goals of the artists which is to get more people to see their art, and for people to have more fun.