CONTRA COSTA TIMES

Posted on Wed, Nov. 20, 2002

thank you

A great day in Livermore.

Many thanks to Linda Ryan and Barbara Jean and all the volunteers, who put in a lot of their personal time and work to make Artwalk, on Nov. 2 a great success and absolutely wonderful day in Livermore.

Shop owners were delighted with all the additional traffic and sales they made due to so many people who came out for the event and went into the stores to see the art.

I think it was the fine attention to detail that made it so successful, down to the little cement flower pots filled with balloons in front of every location to the absolutely incredible display of endless food so beautifully displayed. The food, music, art and festive atmosphere made it an exciting day, that people strolling by said was the best event they had ever seen in downtown Livermore.

I even have a permanent place to show my artwork at the Bamboo Wall on First Street, the main street in Livermore. They were a golden sponsor, meaning they made a large contribution to help make it happen. They had more customers that day than they've ever had. And now they are delighted to have an artist, and I have a beautiful store to continue to display my work.

It was refreshing to see so many people enjoying their city and coming into contact with so much art. If you want to make a difference in your city, think about doing what so many artists, sponsors and store owners pulled off in Livermore by coming together and making something happen in their own community, involving the community and giving something back. A real win-win situation. Thanks to all who helped.

Erma Wheatley
Artist