Samantha McGirt, left, of The Wine Cellar in downtown Cheraw, welcomes local basketry artist M.J. Martin to the evening's events.

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Participants and volunteers for the ArtWalkabout "painted the town" while dancing to the rhythms of Mike and the Mixers at Centennial Park.

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The ArtWalkAbout, sponsored by the Cheraw Arts Commission last Thursday evening, featured local talent as well as artists such as John Wietzel, of Pawley's Island, S.C.

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A mother and daughter duo, Beth Wicker and Mary Elizabeth Walters, operate Three Cats and a Dog Design Studio. Their unique designs in jewelry and mixed media were on display underneath Old Market Hall during this year's Art Walkabout.

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The ArtWalkAbout was an evening of fun for the entire family, especially these young siblings ... ?? ?? ?? ( from Oyster Bar)

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Visitors stop to admire the work of local artist Vickie McLain, who demonstrated her some of her techniques in painting for the event.

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Mike and the Mixers had both the young and old tapping their toes at Centennial Park last week. The concert and related events, free to the public, kicked off a summer series of concerts in downtown Cheraw sponsored by the Cheraw Arts Commission.

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Sydney McCall is proud to show off her beautiful, butterfly face paint.

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Although there's no paint on his lips, Melanie Trusky, local artist and creator of Fantastical Face Painting, certainly painted a grin on young Charlie Ruffner's face Thursday evening. He didn't hesitate, or miss an opportunity, to tell folks, "I'm Batman."

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Visitors gathered around Old Market Hall to enjoy the artists' exhibitions and demonstrations.

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All artists have have their own style, including local cartoonists Samantha and Lawson Lee, whose work was displayed by the gate at Old Market Hall.

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Brenda Branson, local jewelry artist, uses ancient oriental braiding techniques for some of her pieces.

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This year's Art Walkabout, hosted by the Cheraw Arts Commission last Thursday evening, was a success and brought out a variety of artists and also allowed for a bit of hands on creating, including a potter's wheel.

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“She simply wouldn’t take no for an answer,” John Wietzel said with a smile. Wietzel was one of the participating artists for the Art Walkabout hosted by the Cheraw Arts Commission last Thursday evening. He was talking about Lindsay Bennett, the driving force behind what has become an annual event and avenue for artistic interaction on the sidewalks of downtown Cheraw.

Wietzel, a painter who works with reclaimed objects, lives and works in Pawley’s Island, S.C. “It takes a lot of time to pack up everything and travel here,” said Wietzel. Then he smiled again and said, “but she (Bennett) just bulldogged me right into it.” Wietzel said he was glad he returned to this year’s event, admitting it was a great boost to his artistic ego to be in such demand.

The Art Walkabout not only featured the work of individual visual artists, it also was an opportunity for people to participate in various activities while enjoying live music with Mike and the Mixers at Centennial Park. The event also kicked off a series of concert events for the summer. Another free concert, featuring the music of Too Much Sylvia, will be presented June 21 at Centennial Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Brenda Branson of Cheraw has learned the ancient Japanese technique for braiding known as Kumihimo. Branson participated in the Art Walkabout by exhibiting her jewelry and demonstrating her mastery of the art of Kumihimo. She incorporates the use of this technique in making many of her uniquely designed necklaces. “It’s the same technique that sumo wrestlers use in tying their sashes for strength,” said Branson.

Anyone wishing to get their hands dirty was offered an opportunity to try out the potter’s wheel with Bennettsville artist Grace Jennings. Children were encouraged to create sidewalk art with chalk and even hula hoops were on hand to shake things up a bit.

The list of participating artists included: Oliver Lewis, Miracle Bowles, Gina Bowles, Yale Bowles, Beth Wicker, Samantha and Lawson Lee, Cheryl Postlewait, Brenda Branson, M.J. Martin, Wendy Woods, John Wietzel, John Chapman, Vicky McLain, Banie Slice, Wade Hurley, Mike Jackson, Jim Norris, Grace Jennings, Felecia McCall, Kelly Bollman, and Melanie Trusky.

— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached by calling 843-537-5261, ext. 224, or by email at kkissiah@heartlandpublications.com.