St. Elmo couldn’t ask for a more creative and energetic and committed ambassador. Elizabeth is spearheading the first Incline Art Crawl on October 14-15. The first bi-annual crawl will “pop-up” around the horseshoe-shaped streets surrounding the lower Incline station at West 40th Street and Old Mountain Road. This unique location was chosen for its visibility near a highly-visited tourist attraction, and is the perfect setting for a fall art exhibit where locals and tourists can linger and circulate throughout the neighborhood’s pedestrian-friendly business district.
Much more than a collection of eclectic and impressive art, clothing and creations, Elizabeth says the Incline Art Crawl will benefit the community by integrating all that speaks to the soul of diverse Appalachian urban culture, both to its history and its dynamic presence. “Residents appreciate affordable modern living in a 19th century village, its architectural gems, and its diverse mix of neighbors, sometimes knowing their neighbors for multi generations. All of that is rapidly facing extinction, and a festive block party will draw the older folk out to mingle and celebrate with the cultural creatives, the kids and everyone in between,” she says.
The Incline itself is part of the cultural richness. The iconic and oft-photographed mass transit railway is the gateway to our world of visitors, and a large outdoor art show during the fall foliage will be a lovely spectacle. Rather than a kudzu-covered run-down looking neighborhood, tourists on-board will see a cultural celebration of locals in the center of an attractive business district.
The juried show of work by both emerging and established artists includes sculpture, fiber, Appalachian crafts, vintage clothing and all manner of furniture, and promises to make for a fabulous weekend. Free parking is available during the show at the Food City parking lot across the street; folks can use the stairway behind Mojo Burrito and cross St. Elmo Avenue at the flashing crosswalk.
The art show and sale goes on from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15. Pop by and check out this pop-up packed with great art, fashion and community!