Every year, the streets of South Corvallis brighten the first Sunday of December with delightful handmade goods crafted by the talented artists of our city. It’s called the South Town Art Walk, and its organizers tell us this iteration will be especially delightful – featuring over 30 artists showcasing their creative talents and offering unique handmade gifts for the holiday season.
Falling on Sunday, Dec 1 this year, the walk runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
Each of the 14 locations between Crystal Lake Drive and Goodnight Avenue is the home studio for one of the many featured artists who call South Corvallis home. Many of those studios are also graciously hosting additional local artists, so at each location you can expect to find a wide array of goods and gifts.
The locations, the goods
To get oriented for the walk, you can pick up a paper map at any of the locations on the tour or find one on the STAW website: southtownartwalk.com. You can also follow the tour on your phone using the STAW Google Map. On the map is the full list of artists and the eclectic variety of art they’ll have on display. You’ll find everything from fine crafted jewelry and intricately painted landscapes to hand woven willow baskets and cozy woolen hats.
A key destination that will be brimming with artistic talent this year is the CoHo Ecovillage and Cultura de Comunidad. Inside the red community house at 1975 SE Crystal Lake Dr. you’ll find handmade pottery, ocean inspired fluid art, watercolor paintings, embroidered clothing and many other handmade artisan crafts. There will also be traditional Oaxacan homemade tamales and fresh baked sourdough bread for sale, keeping art walkers fed and warm for the 1.4 mile wander through the neighborhood.
According to organizers, as the Walk approaches, artists are eagerly putting the finishing touches on their artistic creations, ready to fill hands and hearts with the joy of local art this holiday season. They invite you to come see the bountiful artistry on display and find the perfect gift at the South Town Art Walk this year.
Walk history
The South Town Art Walk (STAW) started as a grassroots event in 2011 when a small group of artists printed a map and invited family, friends and the community to visit their studios for holiday shopping. Since then, STAW has become a hub for the Corvallis community to gather with artists every December and explore the incredible artistic talent found in the South Corvallis Arts District.
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