The Armory was a hub of artistic activity for Marietta Main Street’s First Friday Art Walk on July 5th. Returning for a second year, Live Art at the Armory was hosted by the organization’s Public Art Committee and featured eight local artists, each painting a 2’ x 2’ canvas during the four-hour event.

Live Art at the Armory is a live painting silent auction event to raise funds for public art projects in downtown Marietta. This year’s participating artists include Bijou Burgardt, Emma Romanowski, Kyla Smith, Hailey Bennett, Hannah Celeste Davis, Jolene Powell, Nicole Harris, and Tracy Love. During First Friday, each artist created a one-of-a-kind piece. Now, the eight works of art are on display downtown through Friday, July 12th with each piece available for silent auction.

“We are so grateful to all of the artists who participated this year. It is not an easy ask, to create a finished painting in four hours, in front of a live audience,” said Sarah Arnold, co-chair of the Public Art Committee. “We appreciate our amazing local community of artists for being so supportive of our fundraiser and our efforts to create public art experiences in Marietta.”

While inclement weather moved the live painting event indoors, the artists still enjoyed interacting with a revolving audience who came inside the armory to watch the artists work. Now, the completed artworks can be seen on display at various businesses in downtown Marietta.

Final pieces can be found at the following locations: Nicole Harris’ work is at Teri Ann’s (290 Front Street); Tracy Love’s work is at American Flags & Poles (276 Front Street); Bijou Burgardt’s work is at The Cook’s Shop (180 Front Street); Kyla Smith’s work is at First City Records (166 Front Street); Jolene Powell and Emma Romanowski’s works are at Marietta Makery (177 Front Street); Hailey Bennett’s work is at Wit & Whimzy (154 Front Street); and Hannah Celeste Davis’ work is at Clutch Collective (152 Front Street).

“I love participating in this event because it is not only a chance to show the public how talented their local artists are, but also because it’s a chance for us artists, of all ages, to give back to the community and support future public artwork,” said Emma Romanowski. Romanowski participated in the event last year, and has completed several public art projects in the region. “It may be the teacher in me, but I truly believe that planting the seeds of community today will allow future generations to feel more confident to create and to grow love for the city in which they live!”

Following First Friday, the silent auction moved online to the Marietta Main Street Facebook page where the auction will remain open through 4:30 pm EST on Friday, July 12th. Bids can be made by commenting on the picture of the finished painting in the auction photo album. The top bids from Friday night are the starting bids for online bidding.

“This fundraiser has become one of our favorite events of the year because it not only raises money for future public art projects, it brings together artists and shows off all of the talent we have here in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said Bobby Rosenstock, co-chair of the Public Art Committee.

All proceeds from the silent auction benefit the Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee, which facilitates the placement of temporary and permanent two- and three-dimensional artwork throughout downtown Marietta.

To learn more about the MMS Public Art Committee and its completed projects, visit www.mariettamainstreet.org/public-art.