ArtWalk steps into spring

FINDLAY — The spring edition of ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event that takes place quarterly in downtown Findlay, begins at 5 p.m. on Friday. ArtWalk combines the arts and businesses together on these special nights. Artists and musicians will be located within walking distance of each other at local shops, restaurants and businesses allowing visitors to not only see local artists' work and hear from local musicians, but also support local businesses. Artwork is available for purchase, with artists on-hand at most locations to discuss their work. Findlay Art League will highlight its members' talents during the annual member show, with harpist Mikaela Umbs performing from 6:30-8:30 p.m. More than 10 artists will have their studios open on the second floor Jones Building Artist Studios. There will be tours, demonstrations and artwork for sale. The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts' Fifth Third Wall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. with reVerb and the Guitars for Vets Band providing musical entertainment beginning at 7. MCPA's Fisher/Wall Art Gallery will display the sixth Advanced Student Exhibit. The Spring ArtWalk is the largest in recent history with more than 40 businesses, shops, restaurants and galleries opening their doors. Millstream Wood Carvers will be represented for the first time, located at RYSE. Fast Signs of Findlay and Trust Company Family Offices will also be part of ArtWalk for the first time as well with both hosting artists. Other visual artists will display works of all mediums including painting, ink, photography, pottery, digital art, jewelry, stained glass and more. Area schools' talent will be showcased at the Findlay Inn from 5-6 p.m., featuring performances by Liberty Benton's Fermata the Blue, St. Michael's Una Voce and Van Buren's Knight Life and The Association. The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will host Fermata the Blue and the Findlay String Factor. The library will also provide a viewing of a Hancock County and Awakening Minds Art Studio Showcase, a Tiny Art Show and a book sale. Massage Professionals of Ohio will be home to a Kids Helping Kids silent art auction. Live music can also be found at Yeager's Modern Man, The Urban Market, RooBarb Studios, MCPA, Logan's Irish Pubs, LBE Vintage, The Lavender Hour, Gathering Wine, Fast Signs of Findlay, Elida Candle Company, The Bourban Affair, The Anvil and the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce's Rally@Ali's, held at Alexandria's. ArtWalk is now held four times a year — on the first Friday in February, May, August and November. The event is a collaborative between Visit Findlay-Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Findlay Art League, Jones Building Artists and the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. A complete list of participating locations and artists, and a virtual map, can be found at VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk. Printed maps of locations are available at the VisitFindlay Welcome Center, 123 E. Main Cross St., with limited copies at all participating locations the evening of the event.