Broad Avenue Art Walk: Full of F-ing Things

On Friday, I went down solo to this fun art event on Broad Avenue Arts District in Memphis. I found a lucky porn star parking spot (best parking spot available) as soon as I pulled in so I knew it was going to be a good time. Here's what I got from it:

[free] No "$5 Cover",  "$10 Parking",  or "Pay Here for Entry" signs. I did, however, spot a couple of "Cash Only" beer stands on the block. There was an ATM conveniently placed inside Jack McGoo's so I definitely had some beer.  It's nice to see this somewhat-secret-hiding-spot get some traffic.

[fun] All kinds of folks were there so there's proof that it was fun. Young, old, single, couples, black, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, bike riders, car drivers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, long hair, short hair, fat, skinny, medium, medium rare, sunburned, pale, long fingers, short toes--- all kinds. I was pleasantly surprised with the event turnout in comparison to last year which was still successful, but growth and expansion is always a plus. With significantly more art activity and foot traffic, the factory-type lot across the stree provided extra space for more local artists, food trucks, and the band, Tiger High. It was the perfect space for this event.

[fitness] One of the stops I made on the art walk was to the Memphis Martial Arts Studio. As I was walking by, I heard these "Hiya!" and "Huh!" noises that reminded me of Power Rangers and the Asian in me said, "I'm walking in. There's Kung Fu inside."  And what did I find??  KUNG FU!  Check out the Sanctuary Martial Art classes to be a real life kung fu ninja. It's good for the body, mind, and soul.

[fotography]  The AMERICAN VALUES PROJECT team was out taking photos of what Memphians valued. Check out their website to contribute to this moving Memphis project and/or to see if you made it in the background (I did.) :)


FOTOCOPIA, the exhibit in the Adam Shaw Gallery, featured photographers known as the "New" Memphis Photographers:  Andrew Edwards, Elaine Miller, Amanda Gahan, Jonathan Rogers, Yeinier Gonzalez, & Julie Kopel.  They were also offering free tequila shots so there's that whole thing. Check out The New Memphis Photographers website for more information.

The Amurica Photobooth provided a splash of spontaneity for passerbyers. I mean really, who can pass up a photobooth? Aside from the most random props to liven up your photobooth experience (such as a Spanish Bible, big blue band cap and crazy-eye cut out of Mr.Bean's face), the set-up outside of the silver trailer was a large screen projecting the magic happening inside so EVURBODY can see what's going on inside the booth. Watch people pose, poke, and pick at their photos.  Since I flew solo, I grabbed these folks to take a genuine Amurica photo with me. Thanks to Holly, Adelai, and Cameron for participating. Without you, this photo experience would be non-existent.

Until next time. Cheers, Memphis.

p.s. And here's a shout out to my dear friend Shaun Barber - local Memphis artist who was one of the only artists who posted up sidewalk style on Broad Avenue.