Artists and art lovers filled the sidewalks and businesses of Madison Avenue on Friday, October 5th, for the inaugural MAMA LIA Artwalk. The comment "This is the best art show I've ever been to in Cleveland” was heard repeatedly throughout the evening. More than 500 people took pleasure in experiencing various art mediums, including visual art, dancing and a variety of live musical entertainment.

The MAMA LIA Artwalk was designed to increase positive exposure for participating local artists, organizations and area businesses, as well as further establish Madison Avenue as a vibrant and evolving neighborhood with a meaningful connection to arts and culture.

The Art Walk was produced in collaboration with MAMA (Madison Avenue Merchants Association) and LIA (Lakewood is Art). Committee Members from these organizations worked together to give the community an opportunity to gain exposure to the various art that is abundant in our area.

“Artwalk attendees got to see beautiful local art in some non-traditional places like Fuzion Martial Arts Studio who hosted art from Harding Middle School Student and the Coffee Pot Restaurant had live jazz and blues wafting from their restaurant onto the street, for example,” Ruth Koenigsmark, LIA Chair, said. “It’s an alternative way for people to see art.” “Business owners were also attracted to the idea of finding another way of connecting with the Community” says Justine Cooper, MAMA Chair. Traditional galleries like Wobblefoot Gallery hosted additional artists’ live music and a reception. The Pop Shop had an opening reception for their new art show and an after party, next door at Mullens of Letterfrack. Bela dubby finished off a culturally fulfilling evening with live, original music being performed late into the evening.

Dancers from Tango and Hip Hop at Silhouette Dance Studio, to belly dancers in the window of the Mission offered points of artistic light throughout the show. Omega Cuts business owner, Christina Ermidis, said she was “pleased with the turnout and the support from the community” “It was great to see people out and about on the East side of town for an event.”Christina’s shop is located on the East side of Lakewood.

There were some amazing musical performances for the evening including Vance Music, Pet’s General Store, Salon Bravissimo and Wobblefoot Gallery which hosted anything from jazz to blues to rock.

The self-guided tour, with ArtWalk map in hand, included more than 30 events and exhibitions with fine artist, gallery and neighborhood retail participation. It featured paintings, sculpture, watercolor, photography, digital media, pottery, jewelry and textiles, dance and live music by both established and emerging artists from the area. “Building on the success of the MAMA LIA Artwalk 2007, the next event will include additional music, dance, public artworks, and new venues” states PR/Marketing Committee Chair for LIA, Barbara Michel.