Whyte Avenue Art Walk 2024: A success for artists and Edmontonians

For the 29th year, the Whyte Avenue Art Walk took over Old Strathcona. A sea of tents and booths lined the streets between 103 and 107 avenue, all showcasing art from around 400 local artists. From pottery to paintings to photography, the Art Walk had something for everyone. 

This year, the Art Walk partnered with the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market for a pop-up street market festival. The Art Walk ran for three days from July 12 – 14. When I visited on Saturday afternoon, it was packed with attendees — the energy was electric. I especially enjoyed the live music performances throughout the day at Dr. Wilbert Mcintyre Park.

The Art Walk is the perfect opportunity to support local artists and appreciate the talent that Edmonton has to offer. All of the booths had original artwork for sale, however, there were also many affordable prints and cards available for purchase. Landscapes and landmarks were recurring themes across the Art Walk. I saw many painted birch trees and even more illustrations of iconic Edmonton architecture.

What sets the Art Walk apart from other art showcases is the strong sense of community it creates. Speaking to the artists brought out so many stories and conversations surrounding their pieces that would have otherwise gone unappreciated.

Artist Lauren Joan took an interactive approach at her booth. She encouraged people to write on a typewriter and immerse themselves in the creative process. The result was a stack of papers scattered with poems, wise sayings, and kind comments that all told a unique story. At most art showcases, there is a distinction that exists between the artist and viewer. Joan’s typewriter allows us to drop these labels and instead create alongside her. Joan accounted for younger participants as well, allowing them to join in the creative exchange with watercolour paints.

“I love to hear people’s stories,” Joan said when asked about her inspiration for including a typewriter at her booth. “We all have the capacity to play and as long as we invite creativity into our lives, then it brightens up the mundane.” 

This year was Joan’s first time attending the Art Walk. “It’s been so beautiful … sharing art within community and seeing the connections and the impact it makes with people,” Joan said.

Joan emphasized the importance that the Art Walk plays in uplifting younger artists.

“I love seeing the next generation of artists and seeing how supportive parents are of their kids,” Joan said. The Art Walk features work from all types of artists ranging from amateur to professional.

I will definitely be returning to the Art Walk next year. Although you could scroll through online stores or social media pages to view an artist’s work, there is something charming about going booth to booth and physically flipping through stacks of prints. The Art Walk is an art gallery curated by Edmontonians for Edmontonians, and that’s what makes it so special.