The public is invited to the Island Art Walk’s first Meet the Artists Open House on Friday, July 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The open house is a preview of the 26 artists’ work, which includes 49 individual pieces of art. This event has added a new student section to the show this year, which will also be on display that evening. A total of 24 students from Lakeland Union High School and the Campanile Center for the Arts have entered the student section of the Island Art Walk show. The Lakeland Art League will have judged the students’ very creative and innovative art prior to the open house. The Lakeland Kiwanis Club, whose mission is to support children and student activities, is very pleased to have these talented students in the show this year!

The Island Art Walk will be held Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The two-part art show will be held at Torpy Park and the Campanile Center for the Arts. Visitors and residents alike are invited to participate and enjoy the downtown atmosphere of the Island City. This two-location event creates a fun walk between the two events encouraging visitors to stop at three local art centers, who are supporting sponsors of the show. Maps will be available at the information booths.

A portion of the Island Art Walk will be held at Torpy Park, which hosts about 60 to 65 artists’ booths on the park’s upper level. These booths display original art and sometimes the artist will demonstrate his or her craft. The show includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, decorative painting, carving, basketry, textiles, wood working, pottery and more. The Kiwanis Club will have a brat booth for snacks or lunch.

Leaving this part of the show, visitors may continue along a path of about two blocks following the sidewalk on Front Street with stops at the Lakeland Art League Gallery, found inside the Great Northern Coffee Traders, art work at Loon Land Trading Co./Twisted Root Emporium and a large variety of artwork at the Park Side Gallery. Visitors are encouraged to stop and browse at these three local businesses.

The Campanile Center is the next stop on the art walk as the visitors continue down Flambeau Street to the Island Art Walk indoor event, which will display 49 individual pieces of fine art and crafts, along with 24 pieces of art from the new student section. During this part of the show, visitors can vote for their favorite piece of artwork, with ribbons being awarded at the end of the show.

This event is used to raise money for student scholarships and youth activities in the area.