Art This Way officially kicked off its annual Art Crawl back in 2017, and ever since, it’s been a hit with Fort Wayne’s local art scene. It’s become an expansive, immersive, art-centric event that takes over Downtown Fort Wayne every year, with the goal of raising funds for more public art projects.
This art crawl is anything but your typical stuffy fundraiser. At Art This Way’s Art Crawl, you’ll explore Downtown’s many murals and installations—with live art, music and games. Sound right up your alley? Here’s what you can expect at this year’s crawl!
Roam
This year’s theme is ‘Alley Bash’, so fittingly, the crawl will take place entirely in Downtown’s Double Plus—a set of connecting alleyways adorned in public art. If you haven’t heard of the Double Plus, imagine an interactive art exhibit that’s completely outdoors!
The Double Plus offers a whole new vantage point of the city and is the perfect backdrop to celebrate and bolster our community’s flourishing art scene. Spots within the Double Plus include the Bill Blass Runway, the 77 Steps light sculpture, The Porch Off Calhoun, and patio space behind JK O’Donnell’s. So there’s plenty to explore.
See
Art is a process, and the Alley Bash provides a rare glimpse into that process. So many world-class artists call Fort Wayne home, and this is your chance to watch some of them paint, sculpt, chalk, and craft, turning raw and mundane materials into works of art before your eyes.
Stop by to see the following artists in motion:
- Theoplis Smith III, aka Phresh Laundry
- Joseph Pelka
- Angelina Passemoto
- Julie Wall
- John Kelty
- Drece Guy
- Seth Green
- Greg Duncan (Sol Eye Glass) and Emily Simpson
- Julia Hyndman
- Diane Young
- Jasmine Pilkinton
- Madison Matilda Radcliff
- Tammy Davis
- Bonnie Andrews
- Hanna Rutigliano
Hear
Treat your ears to some aural art as you find your way through the Double Plus. A variety of genres will be playing throughout the night and the alleyways—including R&B, soul, jazz, folk rock, bluegrass, house, and even a silent disco, with dancers donning headphones in a uniquely shared, yet personal experience.
Catch performances from some of the city’s finest musicians, including:
- James & the Drifters [folk rock]
- Rosalind & the Way [bluegrass / folk rock]
- DJ Polaris [R&B, soul, contemporary]
- C. Ray. Harvey [electronic / house music]
- Debutants [folk / bluegrass]
- Farmland Jazz Band [big band / jazz]
- Silent disco DJ: Joshua Helton
Play
Bring your whole family and embark on an alleyway scavenger hunt. Screen-free interaction, deeper art appreciation, and “huge prize giveaways” await. The family that “arts” never parts.
Support
Just by buying a ticket, you’re supporting public art projects in Downtown Fort Wayne. Our city has come a long way in a short time, and that’s due in large part to Art This Way and people like you who support it.
Play a personal part in beautifying Fort Wayne, supporting this generation of creatives, and inspiring the next—all while enjoying an exceptional night out on the town!
The Details:
When? September 22, 2023 from 6pm – 10pm.
Where? The Double Plus alleyways; Check-in kiosk will be located at the Porch Off Calhoun starting at 5:30 p.m.
How much? Tickets are $10 and include access to all of the Alley Bash activities. Proceeds go directly to Art This Way. Buy tickets at Art This Way’s website!
Cash bars will be provided by Dash-In & JK O’Donnell’s.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.