Culture
Uptown Athens Businesses To Host The (Art) Walking Dead
By: Erin Riordan
Posted on:
This weekend, UnionArts is raising art awareness and…the dead?
That’s right, UnionArts, located below Haffa's Records at 15 West Union Street, is hosting its first-ever Zombie Art Walk this Friday, Oct. 19.
"We wanted to figure out a way to get people uptown to enjoy art," said UnionArts spokesperson Kelly Lawrence. "The majority of the activities are based in our gallery, but the whole block will have stuff to do and see."
Surrounding businesses will exhibit local artists’ works and offer refreshments during the event, including O’Betty’s, Jackie O’s and Art Apocalypse. Also, Uptown Dog will unveil the official 2012 Athens Halloween t-shirt.
In addition to a zombie costume contest, there will be prizes for adult costumes, kids costumes and even a prize for the best zombie couple. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and the winner must be present to receive the award at 9 p.m.
Don’t have a zombie costume? Artists from Hammer of the Gods Tattoos will be "zombiefying" people for a donation (don’t worry, mom and dad: they’re using face paint).
"Hopefully people will be up on the street acting like zombies," said Lawrence. "You have to really act like a zombie, not just dress the part. Really show off!"
Lawrence is also excited about Laura Serna-Maytorena's Day of the Dead-themed paintings at the UnionArts gallery.
Many of Serna-Maytorena's paintings are inspired by Mexican folk songs, and she will perform some of these songs at the gallery during the event.
"Her paintings are so beautiful," said Lawrence. "They’re a fun look into the Day of the Dead traditions."
For those who can't make it to the Zombie Art Walk, UnionArts is hosting another event, "ScabMart," where local artists will sell their Halloween-themed artwork.
This second annual event will be held at the gallery, featuring monster puppets, dyed fabrics and fun items for the whole family to enjoy this Halloween season.
"We will have all kinds of crazy stuff," laughed Lawrence. "I hope everyone can come out."
For more information, visit UnionArts' Facebook page.