Artists, musicians, and vendors will take over the streets of Camden on Thursday for the annual Downtown Camden Art Crawl, a vibrant celebration of the city’s creative scene.
More than 30 local artists and and makers will take over Downtown Camden in this biannual pop-up event, slated for Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. Artists will be paired with local small businesses along Market Street — from 2nd to 4th streets — showcasing their work along Camden’s commercial corridor.
Live art demonstrations will take place throughout the Art Crawl, as well as music performances, creative pop-ups, plus kids activities and food trucks. Local storefronts will offer special menus and sales during the event.
The event started as a way to showcase and support downtown Camden’s developing creative economy, according to event planners. This year is the largest event yet in terms of artists participating, as well as small businesses.
“The growth of the Downtown Camden Art Crawl is indicative of both the city’s burgeoning creative class and its growth as an arts and culture destination,” said Kristine Kennedy, Executive Director of Camden Special Services District. “Artists, makers, photographers and other creatives have been finding a supportive new home in Camden as they find afford able studio spaces, rehearsal rooms and places to call home.”
The Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts (IDEA) Center — which is dedicated to connecting underserved youth and their families to the life affirming quality of the arts — will host live music at 3rd and Market streets, including SoudEVR and Tony Perez & The Latin Wave.
For family fun, and to foster future artists, children are invited to play and make art at the Art Crawl Kids’ Corner, with painting, drawing and chalk art. The Kids’ Corner will be located at 213 Market Street.
Prior to the Art Crawl, the 5th Anniversary of the Camden Pride Walk will take place starting at Camden County Police Department (800 Federal Street) at 3 p.m. The walk and flag raising will end on Market Street, at Roosevelt Plaza with food trucks and activities paired with Downtown Art Crawl.
Complimentary parking is available for both events at 2nd and Cooper. The Downtown Camden Art Crawl and Camden Pride Walk are free to attend and open to all ages.
“Downtown Camden boasts a rich tapestry of artistic endeavors, from visual to performing arts. We have anchor businesses that are fostering our next generation of artists and creatives,” said Kennedy. “For the third edition of Downtown Camden Art Crawl, we are offering our largest offering yet, with a denser footprint, more partnerships, more artists and more programming. We hope to build on last year’s record turn-out and unite Camden residents, workers, families and visitors through the power of public art.”
For more information about the Downtown Art Crawl, visit mydowntowncamden.com
