| Published November 26th, 2008 | First Art Walk in Lafayette On December 6th, A Road to Discovery | By Sophie Braccini | ![](../../issue0219/images/0219-03201.jpg) | | For the first time in Lafayette, the Lamorinda Arts Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce will offer the community an opportunity to discover the profusion of creativity exhibited by their local artists, just in time for the holidays. Rain or shine, visitors will be welcomed with small treats in the downtown stores that wanted to be part of the fun.
"It's been done successfully in other communities," says Maggie Lucas-Hill of the Lamorinda Arts Alliance, "and it creates great synergy between local artists and the business community."
"Maggie came to me about five months ago," recalls Jay Lifson, the Chamber's Chief Executive Officer. "I loved the idea of setting up studios for a day in our local retails. It's just another reason to spend a day in downtown Lafayette," he adds.
Artists have been matched with the most appropriate businesses. For example, Annie Mathew, a whimsical painter, will display at Red Wagon, a toy store on Mount Diablo Blvd.; Ann Testa, who creates ceramics bowls and cookware will be featured at AG Ferrari Foods on Lafayette Circle. Jos A Bank in the Mercantile will host George Ehrenhaft, a well-known local water colorist.
"George came to our store and we reviewed with him where the paintings will be displayed," says store manager OJ Jitosho. By the same token, Dave Mc Cary of AG Ferrari Foods said, "we're really pleased to support a local artist whose creation will go so well we our Italian food offering."
Altogether 32 artists will be displayed at 32 different venues. The Lamorinda Arts Alliance hopes that this will be first of many annual Art Walks. The Alliance sponsors events and exhibits throughout the year to bring together artists and the community. The Lamorinda Spirit Van is available to assisting seniors attend the Lafayette Art Walk on Saturday, December 6th.
| ![](../../issue0219/images/) | | ![](../../issue0219/images/) | | | |