Sunday’s outdoor Art Walk event — a fundraiser for arts in the local schools — was a coming out of sorts for Piedmonters who’ve kept socializing to a minimum this past pandemic year. The opportunity to cross paths with newly vaccinated friends and neighbors IRL (in real life) was embraced by all who participated in the weekend walkabout.
“Overall we had a huge turn out and wonderful feedback from the community,” said Becca Posamentier, chair of the Piedmont Arts Fund. “People of all ages appreciated the opportunity to get outside, view and purchase wonderful art, and greet their neighbors.”
Posamentier said 750 people stopped by the info booth on Highland Ave. “and we know that many participants didn’t even make it up to the booth as they focused on the artists.” Ninety-six children turned in their art “passports” after visiting at least six artists and received a treat.

Painter Katie Korotzer with recent work Display of objets by artist Karen Stanton Artist Paula Valenzuela with her mixed media piece, “Become the Sky” Art by Paula Valenzuela Taking in Larraine Seiden’s work Larraine Seiden makes art of the sought-after but quotidien objets of the pandemic Artist Jen Gulassa Viewer peruses the work of Jen Gulassa Photographer Julie Reichle Julie Reichle photographs Artist Jane Reed makes use of fence and hedge to display her work Helping potential buyers with artist Jane Reed’s work Artist Jack Lahaderne (in red) greets viewers Shoshana Beary with the remaining works of pottery after a day of brisk sales Ceramics by graphic artist Heather Chan Friends and neighbors enjoy work by Brian Mahany Ceramics by Bob Dinetz Ceramics by Heather Chan Ceramics by Jen Cavenaugh Quilt by Pati Fried Quilts by Pati Fried Quilt by Pati Fried Watercolors by Jon Schleuning Watercolors by Jon Schleuning From l to r, Barbara Love, Valerie Corvin, Edna Lewis, Becky Bleich, Conna McCarthy
“Things That Matter” quilt Artist Natalie Jeng with interested buyers Artist Bill Jeng Pam Murray’s work Art Walk organizer and watercolor artist Jon Schleuning
Participating artists will donate 20 percent of proceeds from the sale of their artwork to the Piedmont Education Foundation to support art in the schools. Over 40 local artists and students participated.
“It was great to see so much enthusiasm around the event,” said organizer Jon Schleuning, who said results of the fundraiser will be forthcoming next week.

Photos courtesy of Brigid Gaffikin, Julie Reichle, Josh Posamentier, Barbara Love, and Mary Ireland
The Art Walk was great fun. Thanks to the talented artists and organizers!
This is so cool! Great job, Piedmont…you are making beautiful things happen in your beautiful community.