By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
The Chandler Art Walk is encouraging tropical thoughts as The Taste of the Islands theme returns to downtown from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 21.
It will feature artisan shopping, live music by a steel drum band, and tropical food and drink specials available for purchase. Admission is free.
“The best part about this event is the island-inspired treats and sips the participating downtown Chandler merchants have available for purchase the night of this art walk,” said Deanne Fenton, event coordinator of the Chandler Art Walk.
Last year included more than 12 specials from nine downtown Chandler businesses. Offerings included food items like a Hawaiian Luau plate, pulled pork sandwich, Hawaiian-style pizza, piña colada milkshake or paleta, and 21-and-over drinks with names like Life on the Rum and Vacation in a Glass. The participating merchants and their specials will be announced on the Facebook event listing in the weeks leading up to the event.
For the shopping part of the event, guests can peruse pieces from over 30 local artists in Dr. AJ Chandler Park west and along the sidewalks of San Marcos Place, starting at SanTan Brewing Co. and heading south. Artisan pieces range from jewelry, woodworked items, paintings and illustrations. Many vendors sell items at just $50 or less, making art truly affordable for all. Each month ushers in new artists, creating a different environment.
Providing the soundtrack is Corona del Sol’s Steel Drum Band. In addition, guests are asked to dress the part of a tourist on a tropical beach.
“The point of this art walk is to celebrate the upcoming summer the best way we know how, pretending you’re on a beach,” Fenton said. “This art walk has everything but the water. And if you’re wanting to swim in crystal blue waters? Book a room at the historic, and beautiful San Marcos Hotel in the downtown where you can lay poolside and not have to worry about getting a ride after two or three of those rum drinks.”
The address of the event is 3 S. Arizona Ave. For more information, visit downtownchandler.org.
