Travel through the town's arts
Harrisonburg's downtown Museum and Gallery Walk offers a taste of culture
By Cara Pugliese, contributing writer
Posted on April 20, 2006

It’s a common complaint at JMU. Many students want to spend time outside in the warm spring weather, but have trouble finding something local, interesting and inexpensive to do. However, this Friday, April 21 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., students need look no further for low-cost fun than downtown Harrisonburg’s Museum and Gallery Walk.

Those who have participated in previous Museum and Gallery Walks agree -— the event is unlike any other in the Valley. “The streets of Harrisonburg come alive with the arts,” said Julie Fox, JMU student organizer working with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce for the event.

The event is a walking tour of the arts through the historic downtown section of the city. Many local museums, galleries, restaurants and shops will participate in the Walk to provide the Valley’s citizens with a taste of culture and the arts. There is no cost for admission and attendees are free to travel through the venues in any order and at their own pace. Maps can be found at the Hardesty-Higgins House at 212 S. Main St.

Live music will be performed at various locations throughout the Walk and will include the sounds of the JMU Saxophone Quartet, the EMU Jazz Combo and the Peartree Recorder Ensemble. As for art exhibits, the JMU student-run gallery, artWorks, will feature paintings and installation work by Lauren Childs, a senior art major. “My work is about exploring a feminine perspective toward art-making that incorporates textiles to simulate artificial realities,” Childs said of her exhibit. Other venues featuring art displays include New Image Gallery, Citizens Against Sexual Assault, Shenandoah Bicycle Company, Blue Ridge Design Studio and Virginia Quilt Museum.

In addition to music and art provided by the community, the Museum and Gallery Walk will also feature dining and shopping at reduced prices and discounts. Luigi’s Pizza Company is offering a buy one entrée, get one free special and Downtown Wine and Gourmet will be providing a wine tasting. Rocktown Yarns and A Touch of the Earth will both be providing shoppers with 20-percent discounts and James McHone Antique Jewelry and Laughing Dog Productions will each be offering 15-percent discounts. Many of the locations on the Walk will also provide refreshments such as beverages, fruit and popcorn to participants.

In total, nearly 30 locations in downtown Harrisonburg will participate in the Walk, showcasing art, music and culture. “James Madison University students should come out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and explore the visual arts in Harrisonburg’s historic downtown cultural district,” said Fox.