Art Crawl’s First Pre-Crawl Reception Tonight

Pre-crawl reception is from 5 to 6 p.m., Art Crawl from 6 to 8.

The Oxford Art Crawl over the last two years has become one of the community’s signature events. Highlighting the ability of the arts to engage the community, draw visitors and showcase the many unexpected spaces in Oxford that feature art.

Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from January through October, the Art Crawl has served as a mechanism to coordinate efforts of those supporting the visual arts. The goal of the Art Crawl has been to encourage residents to explore the artist in the community and demonstrate that the arts contribute to Oxford economic growth.

A new partner, the Oxford Downtown Council, has joined the Oxford Art Crawl starting with the May 28 event. Each month, a Downtown Council member will host pre-crawl receptions highlighting a member and artist.

This new partnership will also change the time of the Art Crawl. The new time will feature a pre-crawl reception sponsored by the Oxford Downtown Council from 5 to 6 p.m., and the Art Crawl will run from 6 to 8 p.m.

This will allow families or groups of friends to crawl and have dinner on the Square. The Oxford Art Crawl is free with transportation between the Square, the University, and the Powerhouse Community Arts Center provided on the Double Decker Bus.

The bus makes a continuous loop allowing crawlers to explore each location and stroll between the various exhibits. The Art Crawl features receptions and exhibits each month at Southside Gallery, The Powerhouse, Cicada for Him, Frame Up Gallery, University Museum, Gallery 130 (in Meek Hall) and at Art2Frame.

The Oxford Art Crawl is presented free each month on the fourth Tuesday of the month. To learn more about the Art Crawl call 662-236-6429 or visit oxfordarts.com. — Wayne Andrews, yacdirector@oxfordarts.com

Wayne Andrews is director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.