Atascadero Art Tour
The third Atascadero Art Tour will be held on Friday, December 5, beginning at 5:30. The event is centered in the downtown area. It showcases the work of some of the many artists who reside in Atascadero. Originated in 2008, this is an event of today and tomorrow, and not a hand-me-down from prior generations. For those who might be wondering, it shows that that some new things really are happening in our city.
I was out of town in May when the first Atascadero Art Tour was held. In September, I was glad to be available to participate in the second such event. My experience on that Friday evening came as a delightful surprise. There was street life and energy in the downtown area. Numerous establishments had remained open and were displaying various works of art by local artists. Groups of people were wandering from place to place on foot, checking out the art, enjoying wine and other refreshments, as well as each other’s company. Afterward a group of us had dinner at the restaurant in the Carlton, which was packed and buzzing with activity. The whole experience provided a glimpse of what is possible if more attractions are brought to Atascadero’s downtown to draw activity into the area.
The December 5 version of the Art Tour will take place alongside Main Street’s wine and wassail gathering and the city’s tree lighting ceremony. Together the three events should produce a level of activity and festiveness that promise to add up to a special evening for Atascadero’s downtown area and cultural community.
The Art Tour is the kind of event that deserves encouragement, support and participation. It is high-minded, youthful and forward-looking in its orientation. It also represents an example of Atascadero embracing the twenty-first century. Heather Young Curry’s resourcefulness in creating and organizing the Art Tour exemplifies the kind of initiative that Atascadero needs. Let’s reward her effort by turning out and participating. If my last experience is any indication, it will be a source of civic pride for all, as well as a real good time.