An initiative that highlights empty spaces in downtown Janesville is giving emerging artists a way to showcase their work.
Bekki Kennedy is a volunteer with Windows of Possibility: A Storefront Initiative. The project kicked off last month. Kennedy said organizers are trying to revitalize the downtown area.
"We've had some great growth," she said, "but there's still some empty storefronts. And when you walk by, it can be a deterrent."
The goal is to attract local businesses to fill the empty stores. The art will include leasing details and more information about the spaces.
"One of the biggest things is art development," she said, "and then also a way to really engage ... and expose younger adults to being a part of the community, but also to making an impact."
Kennedy said most of the artists who created displays are younger and just starting out.
Some participating artists are Abigail Grable, Ky McCombe and Lilli Rick.
Many of the displays are located in the city's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA.
"DORA allows people to go into restaurants and businesses and bars and be able to grab a drink to go and walk around," she said, "like a real gallery night where you're having a sip of wine, going and seeing art."
There will also be an online auction. Half of the proceeds will go to the artists, while the other half will fund next year's project.
Gallery Night takes place Aug. 15. Most of the art will remain up through Art Infusion, which takes place Sept. 4-6.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
