Hello and Welcome to the Art Walk Project

The Art Walk Project explores community and creativity through public art

I have always loved Street art.

Something about it speaks straight to my soul and it’s one of the things I have always been totally fascinated by. Maybe its the subversive nature, the unfiltered messages or its at times unsanctioned appearance, as well as the fact that it is often one of the few places that give a voice to the overlooked and underserved. Or the fact that it can add critical layers and depth to our ongoing social, political, economic and cultural discussions which makes it so attractive as a creative outlet. Maybe even more simply, as an artist myself i’m just in awe of the incredible skill of the artists who take the time to design and share their murals, sculptures, installations etc… in such a public form. In my opinion the creation and installation of this type of art is a uniquely powerful and at times defiant act that speaks to each of us deep down in our core. 

Whatever you may think about the public art you see, be it street art, graffiti, murals, sculptures, posters, stickers, architecture, installations etc… it is unique in its ability to reach a wider audience with its message. It has a way of surprising us and talking to us and teaching us about who we are, who we were and who we hope to be. As a result this type of art in particular can provide a window into worlds we have never previously considered.

Started in 2020 the The Art Walk Project was in many ways created as my reaction to the long period of lockdown and isolation many of us experienced during the pandemic. Cut off from so much of my community like everyone I was feeling bored, anxious and suffocated. I realized I needed to find a way to redirect some of my energy away from all the screens and the news cycle and I had to find something to do that would push me out of my pandemic funk, challenge me and make me excited when I got up every day.

In early July 2020 I headed back into the city determined to find some public art and reclaim some of my favourite activities. My goals were simple. I wanted to reconnect with familiar places, maybe see some people I know, get some exercise, and see how much art I could actually find. It took me an entire day to scour one small neighborhood but by the end of the day I felt refreshed, reconnected and rejuvenated. I felt like I learned something and was seeing the same old neighborhoods in new way. As I headed home that afternoon I wondered if others might enjoy this type of activity as well. 

The resulting Art Walks are an exploration of community, creativity, diversity and activism that are designed to create a unique and refreshing experience for all ages through a curated series of self guided creative micro adventures.

As a public art project (about public art), each Art Walk features art from across a broad spectrum of vision, experience, style and time and is centered around a specific geographic location. Included in each walk is a short written post, a custom map, information about the artists (website, IG handle), a photo gallery and downloadable PDFs (of both the map and the artwork listed) which are available to printout and take with on your creative adventure. 

The Art Walk Project is owned and operated by Julia Swanson. All Images and Content © Julia Swanson, 2023. For questions or Press inquiries, please contact me here.

Thank you for your support and thank you for stopping by. As always live creatively and travel safely!