The Piedmont Art Walk has come a long way since it launched during COVID lockdowns three years ago as a way for the community to come together in the service of a good cause. It’s now an annual affair and it continues to bring artists, neighbors, and other art aficionados together to raise money for the arts in Piedmont schools.
On Sunday bright skies greeted crowds ambling through town to check out the creative work of more than 40 local artists. As in years past, there were displays in driveways and front yards, but this year also saw new shared “pavilion” exhibitions of artists at Havens, Piedmont High School, and 801 Magnolia. Each location was mapped, and art walkers could pick up a printed map or use their phones to navigate the locations.
The Art Walk remains a unique way to take in the talent that exists throughout the community, providing art collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to discover new artists while walking through familiar neighborhoods.
Event organizer Jon Schleuning praised all those involved.
“The Piedmont Art Walk showcases an incredible range of art — we have a huge amount of artistic talent in our community. And we had terrific support from sponsors DJ Grubb and GRUBB Company, Mucho Design, PUSD, the city, the police, Piedmont Makers, and Piedmont Center for the Arts. Buying art at the Art Walk supports artists, art programs in the schools, and showcases the creative spirit of our community. 20% of all sales go directly to arts programs in the Piedmont public schools.”
A bronze sculpture by Raffi Zaroukian 
Ceramic pieces by Heather Chan 
Paintings by Laura Paladini 
The Art Jam Club had a table full of colorful knitted items for sale 
PHS alum and recent graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, Natalie Jeng stands by her series of paintings featuring Mister Softee and Mulberry’s 
Jon Schleuning’s work alongside the actual paintbrush that was the subject of his piece 
Event organizer and artist Jon Schleuning stands in his booth at Havens 
Gary Laymon with his varied art pieces 
Valerie Corvin stands at her booth featuring abstract fine art paintings 
Kirsten Hoseman shows off one of her quilts made with an apron that belonged to her mom and fellow artist, Lorna Stortz 
PHS volunteers Etta Jenkins and Brooke Patchen helped at the information booth outside Havens 
Donations are collected in a red boot adorned with the Art Walk logo
Former Havens art teacher Karen Stanton with a goat she sewed and a barrel of ceramic flowers. Her dog, Javi, also features in her artwork. 
Some of Karen Stanton’s decorative dolls 
Ceramic jewelry maker Brigid Gaffikin 
Wildwood art teacher, founding member of Piedmont Makers, Piedmont parent and artist Larraine Seiden discusses her work in her studio 
Piedmont Middle School Librarian Jennifer Gulassa catches up with past Wildwood Principal, Carol Cramer 
Ceramic bird feeders by Bob Dinetz 
Each artist selected a single piece of work to be shown at a preview show held in the Piedmont Center for the Arts 
The Piedmont Center for the Arts was open to the public with artwork by each of the artists
A new addition to the event, the Piedmont Center for the Arts show (above) made it possible for the Art Walk to showcase the work of all the artists in one place. “I loved the PCA show, ” said Schleuning. “It’s the first time all of our artists have been able to see all of the artwork together. The calibre of art in our community is really amazing. To see it all together was inspiring.”
He added, “If people saw work they liked, they should reach out to the artists or follow up with the Piedmont Arts Fund. In an era of decreased funding, we’re appreciative of the artists and community who support the importance of arts in Piedmont.”
