Summertime is a busy time for folks of all ages- full of weddings, festivals, fairs and trips to the beach- but if you haven’t yet made time to go to one of the Downtown St. Cloud Art Crawls this year, The Sizzling Summer Art Crawl on August 14th is sure to be an experience unlike anything else you will do this summer.
10 years ago, a group of small business owners collaborated to create an event that would promote small businesses and the arts of St. Cloud. Now the St. Cloud Art Crawl is a collaboration of volunteers, sponsors, local businesses (big and small), musicians and artists.
Ellen Nelson (who runs the Paramount Gallery) and Julie Mische (owner of Jules’ Bistro) have been running the Art Crawl for the past few years. Their mission is to promote the work of local and regional artists, engage our community and visitors with a quality arts, encourage visitation to downtown shops and restaurants, and increase the recognition of downtown St. Cloud as a place to go for quality regional art experiences and performances. There are usually a few art crawls that run throughout the year, but for the Sizzlin' Summer Art Crawl, local business and performers up their game, increase their efforts and throw one heck of an all ages event!
Ellen Nelson (who runs the Paramount Gallery) and Julie Mische (owner of Jules’ Bistro) have been running the Art Crawl for the past few years. Their mission is to promote the work of local and regional artists, engage our community and visitors with a quality arts, encourage visitation to downtown shops and restaurants, and increase the recognition of downtown St. Cloud as a place to go for quality regional art experiences and performances. There are usually a few art crawls that run throughout the year, but for the Sizzlin' Summer Art Crawl, local business and performers up their game, increase their efforts and throw one heck of an all ages event!
For the Sizzling Summer Art Crawl, hours will be extended from normal hours to 3-9 pm. For the first time, St. Germain Street will be blocked off to allow for larger performances and the increase in patrons this special event brings every year. This event is one for all ages- family day or date night, no one will be disappointed. There will be children's activities and wonderful opportunities for kids to be exposed to a wide variety of mediums.
With 2015 being the 10 year anniversary of the St. Cloud Art Crawl, there are some new attractions (as well as some old favorites) added to the lineup. Thanks to a portion of St. Germain being blocked off for the event, students of Jeff Ringer, owner of StudioJeff, will perform in the street. Carnivale Revolver Burlesque Troupe will be there with their talented hula hoopers, mimes, and performances that have become a staple to the Art Crawls. The Marine Corps is representing its presence in St. Cloud by setting up a rock climbing wall near Falcon Bank for the event. 
There will be demonstration artists, including the Mid Minnesota Association of Woodturners and a weaver with her loom by the Metro Transit Station. Paddy’s Game Shop is even putting on a special Magic tournament on friday night. There is no way to put into words all that this event will entail, you just have to experience it for yourself. Imagine the possibilities of painters, sculptors, potters and live music. Even if you have been to an art crawl before, this one will be different- larger art, bigger performances, more space and more hours to enjoy.
As with any positive impact on the community, it takes people stepping up to make it happen; Art Crawl St. Cloud is always looking for volunteers, artists, venues and sponsors. If you are interested please visit the Art Crawl website. You can also contribute just by showing up and being a patron of the local businesses, we hope to see you there!
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