Artcrawlharlem� Returns August 7-8 Popular Trolley Bus Tour Of Historic District Features Local Artists, Gallery Receptions

A variety of fine-art experiences comprise the latest installment of ArtCrawl Harlem�, Harlem's premier guided trolley bus tour, taking place Saturday August 7 from 12pm - 4 pm and Sunday, August 8 from 1pm - 6pm in Central Harlem.



A cultural initiative spearheaded by Jacqueline Orange, owner of Taste Harlem Food and Cultural Tours, and Averlyn Archer, founder and director of Canvas Paper & Stone Gallery, ArtCrawl Harlem� "drops in" on a number of local art galleries, museums and arts spaces, with many offering free wine and other refreshments. A catered reception follows the tour.



Knowledgeable tour guides, as well as local artists, and owners and directors of the various art spaces are always on hand to offer history and context, and trolley buses run between locations, allowing participants to also survey the plethora of outdoor art throughout the area.



"Harlem is a part of the city that's always been rich in art history, but not typically identified with the classical or contemporary art scene," says Orange. "ArtCrawl Harlem� was created to give visitors and locals alike the chance to experience art throughout the area, meet gallery owners, artists and collectors, see new spaces and experience several lively events."



Highlights this year include a three-part series at Renaissance Fine Arts Gallery titled "Art Is: Visual, Functional, Wearable," featuring stunning collaborations between visual artists and fashion designers. Elsewhere, ArtCrawl participants will have a bird's eye view of works created by the winners in a banner design competition sponsored by the 125th Street Business Improvement District. These pieces, hanging high across the avenue known as "Harlem's Main Street," are based on a number of musical themes.



"Our event aims to support local, national and emerging artists in Harlem, and to inspire art enthusiasts and new visitors to explore innovative art spaces and enjoy every aspect of the fantastic art scene here in Harlem," says Archer.



TICKETS AND INFORMATION
Additional venues are being added to the ArtCrawl Harlem� lineup. Tickets are $40 per person for early birds; $55 regular price. For updates, tickets and further information, please visit www.artcrawlharlem.com or call (212) 866-7427.



TOUR DETAILS

ArtCrawl Harlem� taking place August 7 and 8 will include:



Casa Frela Gallery

"Einstein, Epherma & Crank," created by Fearless Explorers in Alternative Surfaces, Glazes and Installations highlights the ceramic installations of four sculptors, Liz Surbeck Biddle, Jackie Welsh, Tomoko Amaki Abe and Ellen Hackl Fagan. A creative brew results when these four artists work together using painted slips, photographic processes, printmaking, transfers, decals and drawing.



Dwyer Cultural Center

"Weusi Revisited: 2010" features the work of the Weusi Artist Collective. Founded in 1965, the Harlem-based Weusi ("way-oo-see," which means Blackness in Swahili) are considered progenitors of the Black Arts Movement and were among the first artists to make African imagery a central part of their work.



Renaissance Fine Art Gallery

"Art is: Visual, Functional, and Wearable" is a three-part series featuring the collaborations of visual artists and fashion designers. Part 2, now on display, features fashion designer/visual illustrator Donna Dove and visual artist/designer Anton. Artists participating in the series explore art as a part of everyday life produced as drawings and paintings on canvas, paper, clothing and home accessories.



Rio II Gallery

"Masks" by Wyrbel Familia