Allied Arts Sidewalk Show Turns 57:
The last weekend in July, the Tri-Cities Water Follies Association brings the fastest race boats to eastern Washington to compete in the Columbia Cup. As the hydroplances speed across the Columbia River, the roar of their engines reverberates all around the Tri-Cities. At the same time, not far from the Water Follies festivities, the Richland river shore hosts another event that generates much excitement for visitors and residents.
This year the 57th Annual Allied Arts Sdwalk Show will be held at Howard Amon Park in Richland on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28. “The show features about 300 artists and craftsmen,” said Sidewalk Show Director, Katy O’Callaghan.
Everything from pottery, paintings, photographs, jewelry, glass and fabric art is displayed. Several artists return year after year to the Tri-Cities, as the Sidewalk Show has been listed as one of the 200 best in the nation. “John Clement will be present,” confirmed O’Callaghan, referring to one of the Tri-Cities’ best-known photographers and a long time show participant. Clement’s stunning photographs of the Mid-Columbia region capture the stark beauty of the shrub-steppe and the majesty of the Columbia River. “So will Jill Neal and her wild women,” she added, “and Joe Powers and his incredible sculptures.” As well as presenting veteran’s art, the show introduces many new artists to pique people’s curiosity and satisfy art enthusiasts tastes. That’s why the show has grown each year since its inception in 1950.
Association of Artists: Thelma Pearson, an art teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Richland, organized local artists who founded the Allied Arts Association in 1948. Two years later, the first Sidewalk Show was held in Richland.
The Allied Arts Association found its home at 89 Lee Bloulevard. A block from the Columbia River, the building has seen many uses. Since 1965, when Allied Arts moved in, the original construction and its carriage house have been expanded. The additional space now is home to the Parkside Gallery, where art shows are regularly held, and to a gift gallery and an educational wing, where seminars and art classes take place.
The Sidewalk Show is a fundraiser for the Allied Arts Association, and the proceeds support operation of the gallery, scholarship for art students, awards at juried shows, and special projects. Because of this constant effort in promoting the visual arts in the region and for establishing a facility that benefited members as well as the community, the Allied Arts Association received the Washington State Governor’s Award in 1975.
Art, Music and Food: During the Sidewalk Show, artists’ demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, giving patrons a glimpse at the creative process. Among the new additions, the Art Center will delight children as they have a chance to create their own works of art. “In the past,” said O’Callaghan, “Local favorites like the youth steel band, Bram Bata, the Academy of Children’s Theatre, and the Three Rivers Folklife Society have performed at the Show.” This year patrons will once again experience a delightful mix of local performing groups.
With the Columbia River as a tranquil backdrop, the Sidewalk Show is an imaginative event for all to attend on a sunny summer weekend.
Mid-Columbia magazine Summer 2007