by Nicholas Bostick
The Deep Ellum Art Walk was this past Saturday, no fussy after parties or special guest stars were advertised — only 18 of the best Deep Ellum has to offer. Kettle Art, the epicenter of the event, displayed a serene selection of work by Frank and Amber Campagna, but didn’t seem to draw the crowds it did last year.
Factory Girl, a new vintage shop at Commerce and South Walton, was packed from beginning to end with trendy Warhol-esque hipsters sipping gimlets, while admiring co-owner Scogin Mayo’s photography. Right across the street Kirk Hopper Fine Art stood as a stark contrast to Factory Girl’s club like atmosphere, offering a tasteful showing of black and white oil paintings by Michael Arcieri and a much more subdued crowd.
In Accord also had an impressive showing of art and a bubbly family atmosphere complete with local musicians. However the most exciting stop on the art walk wasn’t even on the map; we were invited by a very affable looking artist who turned out to be none other than national award winning artist Frankie Ollervidas, to see his take on the art walk concept. His loft was practically a piece of art in itself, combining flashing L.E.D. lights, paintings made with tar from the Gulf oil spill, in a very intimate homey atmosphere.
The art walk was seemingly a great success and really encapsulated the essence of the Deep Ellum art scene.
