Art Crawl Social happening July 18

Dennis K. Smith and the Artists of Colour will be at the Art Crawl Social at The O July 18.

The Amherstburg Art Crawl runs July 18-20 and it kicks off with the “Art Crawl Social.”

The event will be held July 18 from 6-9 p.m. and will be held at The O, within Hotel STRY. Hotel STRY co-owner Lauri Brouyette said they are not officially affiliated with the Art Crawl, as it has its own separate committee, but are helping to support it. 

Part of that support is offering up the back of a shipping container that is used as part of The O’s operation. The side that faces the alley – or what has become dubbed “Art Alley” – is where Harrow artist Jermaine Baylis is continuing to paint a new mural dedicated to local Black History. 

That mural features Donald Harris, Amherstburg Freedom Museum co-founders Mac and Betty Simpson and former mayor Wayne Hurst. A story on that was in our June 11 issue and is available online at www.rivertowntimes.com. 

“I just think it is so important to have this,” said Brouyette. “We were more than happy to have Jermaine do this.”

The kickoff social for the 2025 Amherstburg Art Crawl will feature the Artists of Colour. That group is headed by Essex County artists Dennis K. Smith. The artwork of the Artists of Colour will be featured for the three day art crawl inside The O and the band Trading Places, who are aligned with the Artists of Colour will be will be performing.

Smith said it is a five-piece band. He pointed out his own love for art dates back to when he was a child. He loves to paint older buildings and architecture, though has done portrait painting. 

“That was my voice when I was young,” he said of art.

Also an art teacher, Smith added he encourages his students to be original and paint “from the heart.”

“Be yourself,” he said.

“They’ve made it very affordable,” added Brouyette, of the $20 ticket price. “It will be a very fun event. It will be very relaxing. We’re thrilled to be able to host this.”

Food will be available for purchase through Frate Street Food and Tellers Café. Ticket holders will be able to receive one complimentary “Matisse” themed cocktail from The O.

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite by searching Art Crawl Social.   Art Crawl Social happening July 18

By RTT Staff