Sikeston hosts bi-monthly gallery walk

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Since the Sikeston Depot Museum and Gallery was converted from a 1916 train depot to a cultural center and museum in May 2000, several art displays and exhibits have been featured. However, the Depot's usual hours of operation limited working families from enjoying the art shows and historical exhibits.

Six months ago the Depot, along with several of Sikeston's downtown vendors, began hosting Sikeston's Downtown Gallery Walk on the second Friday of the month every other month. The galleries and shops will again welcome visitors from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13. The gallery walk will feature the 37th annual Regional High School Student Art Show and will show off the talents of students throughout Southeast Missouri.

"The Depot has always had art displays," Mike Marsh said. "But we wanted to make them more accessible to the public. It is all about opportunity."

To provide supporters of the arts with a more convenient time frame and a greater selection of venues, the Depot partnered with the Front Street Studio and Gallery to plan bimonthly art events in the evening hours. Sikeston's Downtown Gallery Walk was born.

Since the first gallery walk in July 2010, interest in the event has grown. In addition to the Depot and the Front Street Studio and Gallery, participating businesses now include the Sweetgum Gallery and Frame Shop, Here We Go Again Antiques, Calbert Studios and Tradewinds Antiques and Collectibles -- all staying open late every other month.

Sikeston's Downtown Gallery Walk has provided free event that has been well-received by the community, according to organizers. About 100 visitors typically attend the gallery walk to enjoy the art exhibits, refreshments and live music. Organizers expect that number to grow as word about the event spreads.

While participating vendors are always interested in selling original art pieces, the main purpose for the gallery walk is less about sales and more about fostering an appreciation of the arts and becoming more involved in the community.

"We want to raise awareness about the talent in our area," said Annie Schuchart, local artist and co-owner of the Front Street Studio and Gallery.

Schuchart and fellow artist Juliana Comer often feature local guest artists during the gallery walk and rotate their displays on a regular basis. The Front Street Studio and Gallery offers classes and art instruction and typically displays the work of its students during the gallery walk.

"The students are always excited to have their creations on display, which typically brings the support of their families," Schuchart said.

The January gallery walk is expected to bring in a number of such supporting visitors with the 37th annual Regional High School Student Art Show. The displayed artwork will focus on variety and creativity.

"I have seen some of the pieces, and I am excited for these young people to have an opportunity to show off their talents," Marsh said.

The gallery walks have emerged at a time when Sikeston has been investing in the improvement of its downtown area. A new street clock and beautified store fronts accompany the art exhibits.

"Take a look around," Marsh said. "Art surrounds us. It is what makes life worth living."

Pertinent address: 116 West Malone Ave., Sikeston, MO