ReachArts "Garden Art Walk" this Sunday, July 11th

The ReachArts “Garden Art Walk” town-wide outdoor event pairing gardeners and artists takes place this coming Sunday, July 11th, from 11:00 am - 3:00pm. All are invited to visit participating gardens and artist displays and enjoy various family friendly activities. Colorful hand-painted “Garden Art Walk” lawn signs are already on display throughout town at the 40 participating locations.

The starting point on Sunday is the ReachArts building at 89 Burrill Street where maps showing all the open garden and artist locations and all activities will be handed out. For children, there will be a scavenger hunt and gardening-related crafts. The ReachArts building site will also host some artisans amidst a festive atmosphere and a raffle for a Weber Grill. The event is free but donations are encouraged.

40 gardens, 27 visual artists and 5 literary artists are participating, with an additional 17 local businesses and individuals donating to be supporting sponsors.

The event’s unique experience is the pairing of the open gardens with Swampscott artists, so attendees can appreciate both the natural beauty along with the locally-made art and crafts. The Swampscott artist, Mark Shasha, who participates in nation-wide invitational plein air painting events, will be doing a doing a two-hour painting demonstration at Fisherman’s Beach. Other events taking place in various locations throughout the community are a bee keeping demonstration, seedling plantings, poetry reading and story telling.

On the gardening front, there is a challenge taking place between the Swampscott Police and Fire chiefs – all attendees can take part in voting for a winner.

Many local organizations are eager to reconnect their members with the community and are joining ReachArts for this unique celebration of Swampscott creativity and friendship. They include the Swampscott Rotary, Seaside Cooperative Garden, Swampscott Senior Center, Library Gardens, Conservancy, Historical Commission, SURE Diversity and Swampscott Arts Association.

Pat Gorham, the event’s organizer quotes “I never realized how many talented professional artists are in our small community who are masters at their trade. And so many self-taught visual and performing artists who connect with others through creative expression. This event is a wonderful way for the community to experience the creative richness here in Swampscott and reconnect with friends and neighbors, make new ones and have some fun.”

The event is free, with donations encouraged. Raindate is Sunday, July 18th. More information, including schedule of activities, list of sponsors and profiles of participating gardeners and artists can be found at https://reacharts.org/.