Twenty-two years after Art Walk began with a vision of defibrillating Downtown, big changes are in the works. The agency that manages the monthly first Wednesday event, Downtown Vision Inc., has begun charging a $45 fee to all participating vendors, not just those in James Weldon Johnson Park, as it previously did. Some vendors fear being priced out. Others feel they’re being pushed out. And still others say they understand the rationale behind the new fees. We talk to foundational creators and current artists about how Art Walk has changed and what the event might look like in the months and years to come.
Guests:
- Mal Jones, emcee, host of The Lyricist Live.
- Tony Allegretti, co-founder, First Wednesday Art Walk.
- Sherry Shine, owner, Sherika Originals Handcrafted Gifts.
- Michael Taylor, aka “Animus,” artist.
Then, a World War II love story in honor of Veteran’s Day. Author Larry Schnell tells the true story of a couple who sent love letters during wartime via secret code. Schnell, a former reporter for the Florida Times-Union and journalism professor at the University of Florida, uncovered the cache of letters hidden in his parents’ attic. A few years later, he also located the key to deciphering the code, which allowed his father to secretly communicate his location as he traveled the world as a Coast Guard sailor.
Guest:
- Larry Schnell, author, A Sailor’s Song: Lost Love Letters of World War II.
And, they ain’t sisters, but they are a wild mix of musical influences, from Prince to Shovels and Rope. We talk to the band Aint Sisters ahead of their Jacksonville show on Friday at Intuition Aleworks’ Bier Hall.
Guest:
- Barb Carbon, acoustic guitar, vocals, Aint Sisters.
- Arrie Bozeman, electric guitar, mandolin, vocals, Aint Sisters.