As the lamps lit up along the streets of downtown San Luis Obispo and the air cooled to a crisp February chill, locals began to gather to participate in this year’s first Art After Dark.
Inside, strangers stood shoulder to shoulder, taking in the art on display and catching up with familiar faces. By sunset, the streets were cold and the warmth of the indoor galleries made for a welcome escape.
“It’s kind of a ritual,” recurring participant and Cal Poly professor John Hampsey said. “It’s just really fun, walking, making the circuit, being with somebody, running into friends and for one night, art is the center of our lives. Art is this festive communal activity. That’s very cool.”
Hampsey has been regularly attending the event for years, and this February he purchased one of the paintings on display for a friend of his.
“Art right now is more important than ever,” he said. “It enlightens our soul, it stimulates our imagination, it helps us see in a way we didn’t see before.”
SLO County Arts’ Art After Dark takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. The event is organized as a free walking tour of different galleries, shops and restaurants that host a variety of art collections. Free wine, cheese and crackers, live music, good company and an overwhelming sense of community are all part of the deal as well.
This February, 17 locations participated in hosting art for the event. Sheryl Chesnut, director of local art gallery EDNA Contemporary, hosts exhibits every month for Art After Dark.
“It supports local artists. It supports the community, I mean it’s a real great evening for people to come to,” she said.
Chesnut is especially proud of the art she had on display this month.
“I have artists that are in museum collections and art galleries all over the country and in Europe. I don’t know if SLO realizes it but it’s really a treat to have these high caliber artists.”
A major highlight of the event is the self-guided structure, which encourages participants to develop their own unique walking routes between the exhibits.
“You can go to your favorite venues each time or a different area each time, because it’s really spread out now, which is wonderful,” Chesnut said. “I do think when people come they are surprised how wonderful it is to meet the artist, to see those they haven’t seen in a long time or meet new people.”
Annie Wheeler of Linnaea’s Cafe sees the event consistently bringing people together. She believes the open environment makes for a space where both young and old can share an experience, often agreeing on the same things.
With the exceptions of December and January, Art After Dark is held every month this year. So as daylight fades on those special Friday evenings, local art enthusiasts will gather again to experience the city’s communal art culture in full.
