This past weekend I arrived in Sacramento just in time to enjoy Sacramento’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk. The event was started by artist Michael Himovitz over 20 years ago as a way to bring art lovers together once a month. Michael passed away 15 years ago, but his legacy lives on in a monthly event that now draws several thousand people each month. The streets were lined with musicians, artists and vendors everywhere I went. By nightfall there were thousands of people in the streets (which the city closes off) all with that celebratory air about them.
I met with Lucas Himovitz, Michael’s son, to get a tour of the various activities that take place each month. We went to four or five galleries, all of which were packed with people and ironically, by 2nd Saturday standards gallery owners thought it was a slow night. As the organizer of Santa Cruz’ s First Friday Art Tour I was amazed at how many people were out enjoying both the local art and the street party atmosphere. I met several local bands that had set up in parking lots and allies who have been playing the same spot for years and making a livelihood. Art sales were brisk and everyone was well behaved, even with a minor police presence. Makes you wonder. This week I will be heading to Napa, Sonoma and Mendicino. See you on the road.
