MORGANTOWN — A perfect Friday evening in downtown Morgantown served as proof that you don’t always need rain to enjoy a rainbow — just like you don’t need a gallery to appreciate art.
More than two dozen businesses and 50 or so artists came together for the first Pride Arts Walk, a joint effort between Main Street Morgantown and Morgantown Pride, a local organization that provides social and educational resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
The artistic fare ran the gamut, from live music to handmade personal care products — from paintings and drawings to … copper dragonflies?
“I make electroform jewelry. It’s mainly made with things like bones and insects found locally,” Marinea Heindel, of Copper Talon Jewelry said, while a young admirer of the arts studied a beetle in a pendant at her booth near Hoot and Howl. “I just really like being a part of the local art scene in Morgantown and supporting local business. It’s nice to see so many people out in support and enjoying the weather.”
People like Damian Christey and Thomas Vandevander, who were among a group heading to TK’s Fruit Produce & Bubble Tea for some Indian food after checking in with friend and popular local artist Eddie Spaghetti.
“I’m just happy they’re doing another arts walk. We need more of these,” Vandevander said.
Christey agreed, explaining, “We always come out to support anything with the arts, plus we’re allies of the gay community, so we definitely wanted to come check it out.”
Those who made the trek downtown likely left with something for their efforts — be it some hands-on art making experience, or maybe something sweeter.
“We’re giving out brownies, pretzels and, most importantly, hugs,” Kristi DeLeurere of Wesley United Methodist Church said. “We want people to know we love them and that all are welcome at our church.”
Asked which of the offerings was most popular, the answer was immediate.
“Oh, hugs, for sure. Hugs first, then brownies. Pretzels third,” she said. “Some people got two hugs.”
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