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Art Walk brings out blossoming artists and their admirers

Apr 11, 2018 10:54AM ● By Spencer Belnap

Patrons check out artists’ work during the Sugar House Art Walk. (Spencer W. Belnap/City Journals)

It was a mild Friday night on March 9 in Sugar House and “spring fever” was swirling in the air. The first Sugar House Art Walk of the year was underway and the blooming area was even more lively than usual. The neighborhood event provides local businesses, artists and craftspeople and patrons a good reason to roam the streets and businesses around 1100 East and 2100 South. 

“There’s definitely a spring fever out there,” business owner Gail Piccoli said. She owns Commerce & Craft, an eclectic shop that sells a variety of handmade art and crafts from local artisans and designers. “I’ve been in this neighborhood for over nine months now. The Art Walk used to be once a month, but they moved it to quarterly last year. It’s a fun way to explore Sugar House and meet some local artists.”

Several venues were hosts during the Art Walk, from more established neighborhood shops like Commerce & Craft and Local Colors, to newer businesses in the area such as Market Source Real Estate. The venues provided the spaces where artists could show and sell their work and mingle with patrons and fellow creators. 

One artistic couple new to the Art Walk and new to Salt Lake City was Matt and Taylor Lamb, who recently started Be Light Candle Co. The Lambs and their candles were set up in front of Lillie Botanica, an intimate boutique along Highland Drive. Their selection of candles attracted many admirers as did the inspiration behind their business. 

“My wife and I moved here from Montana awhile ago,” Matt Lamb said. “The city and neighborhood are awesome and very welcoming. We were surprised to hear about the crazy high suicide rates in Utah though.” 

The Lambs attended a suicide awareness walk and thought about how they could help this cause in their new community. 

“We wanted to give back, and when we started making candles it all just kind of came together,” Lamb said. Be Light Candle Co. was born in 2017, and 15 percent of all proceeds go to suicide prevention and awareness. The soy wax candles are held in repurposed cocktail glasses of various sizes. Current scents include everything from pumpkin firewood to fresh cornbread. Be Light plans on being at future Art Walks and farmers markets as well.

Another local artist new to the Sugar House Art Walk was Isabel Stearns. Stearns had a table set up on the patio of Commerce & Craft, featuring her wool pieces made from a technique called felting. 

“It’s a beautiful night,” Stearns said. “People are outside in the good weather and good vibes. This is the first time I’ve displayed my stuff outside of school, and it’s been a lot of fun.” 

The Art Walk lasted for three hours. Patrons and families came from around the valley exploring different venues. For those who missed it, the next one will be in June.