Vendors on one of Okotoks’ most historic streets are getting ready for a spring hang out.
Elma Street Art on the Line event returns for its third year on June 11, with three businesses providing hubs for patrons of the arts to gather from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“What we’re doing this year is we’re taking a cluster approach, one at Lineham House Galleries, one around Birdsong Studios, and one around 94 Take the Cake,” said Russell Thomas, co-owner of Birdsong Studios. “One of the things we’ve heard from vendors is it works better when we group people together so there’s more energy.
“We’ll have 20 artist vendors from all over the Foothills come in, and another thing we’re doing is singer Ron Langlois will also be doing a free concert at the back garden (of Birdsong Studios).”
The event is in addition to the older Elma Street Art Walk, which takes place in the fall, and came to be in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“There was nowhere for artists to show their stuff during the pandemic,” Thomas said. “Now we do the two, one early in the summer, one early in the fall.”
As Okotoks grows in all directions, Thomas pointed out vendors and artisans appreciate Elma Street’s merchants for maintaining a cohesive vibe.
“The vendors really appreciate the grassroots organization,” he said. “Because really it’s just some Elma Street merchants that volunteer our time to put this thing together and they were very appreciative of how well it’s run.”
The street itself is an attraction and institution within the region, he added.
“It’s simple. People are itching to come out, because there’s something about Elma that’s pretty special,” Thomas said. “It attracts people because of the architecture, both old and new.
“There’s old houses that are spectacular, but there’s a number of award-winning homes on Elma Street that are brand new.”
The experience of simply visiting is sure to please, the artist said.
“It just has that vibe to walk around and it’s a perfect feel for both the artist and the patrons who just want to have a relaxing afternoon experiencing what the Foothills has to offer,” Thomas said.
For more information visit the Elma Street – Okotoks Facebook page.
