ART STROLL A HUGE SUCCESS

Vale potter Libby Baxter looks at one of her bowls, complete with ink cartridges from Ink To Go/Integrity Computers. Baxter was one of 70 vendors at the first annual Art Stroll Friday night in downtown Lincolnton.

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- More than 1,000 people made downtown Lincolnton a destination Friday night for the first Art Stroll.

More than 70 vendors participated in 15 locations for the downtown Art Stroll.

"The response is overwhelming," said Art Stroll media consultant Sarah Paris.

The largest gathering was at Personal Artist Studio & Gallery, located downtown and owned by Laurie Bostian.

"This is absolutely wonderful," said Bostian.

Artist Carroll Morrell displayed watercolors at the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce office downtown during the Art Stroll.

Artist Carroll Morrell's water colors were on display as part of "The Stroll."

"I especially love summertime," said Morrell. "I guess that's why I'm particularly attracted to how sunlight and shadows define the subject."

Color, added Morrell, is also important in her art work.

"Sometimes bright and intense, and sometimes soft and muted," said Morrell. "I thank God every day that I've been blessed with the ability to express the wonderful world He has given us through art."

The Art Stroll started at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church parish house on North Cedar Street and ended at 36th Street Bakery & Cafe on North Court Square.

Artist Karen Banker, whose work was on display at the old Rusty & Company building, said the Art Stroll was a grass roots collaberation between many different artists, downtown business and property owners, select city and county agencies, a church and other groups.

"Everyone in the business and art community have come together," said Banker. "We're looking to do the Art Stroll again."

Many people taking part in the Art Stroll made Personal Artist Studio & Gallery a destination.