Submitted by Shannon Borg
The first “Third Thursday” San Juan County Virtual Art Walk will take place on Thursday, April 16, from 4-8 p.m. Artists will post to social media during that time, using the hashtag #VirtualArtWalkSJIS.
The local chambers of commerce and a group of independent artists invite all retail businesses, artists, and musicians to virtually open their doors and studios for a night of art, beauty, craftsmanship, fashion, décor, music, wine and cheese and more.
How can businesses and artists participate?
Artists and businesses will use the hashtag #VirtualArtwalkSJIS on their favorite social media platforms starting NOW to build recognition and momentum, letting people know about it, and give them an idea of what the artists or businesses might be posting, or any specials you will offer.
Then, on Thursday, April 16, from 4- 8 p.m., businesses and artists will post items for viewing and for sale several times during the walk.
Each business will be responsible for completing sales with customers, in addition to making shipping or curbside drop-off/delivery arrangements.
#VirtualArtWalkSJIS
Participating artists ans businesses — and guests — can use the hashtag #VirtualArtwalkSJIS on all posts in addition to the hashtag that indicates which Island they are from: #VirtualArtwalkOrcas #VirtualArtwalkLopez #VirtualArtwalkSJI, and any other hashtags that pertain to the business or organization, for instance, #FridayHarborAtelier, #SanJuanIslandStudioTour or #OrcasIslandArtWorks, #ChimeraGallery. Artists, Businesses and visitors can TAG artists and other participants with their Instagram handle or Facebook name, etc.
Here is a list of recommended popular hashtags to cut and paste into your posts:
#VirtualArtwalkSJIS #VirtualArtwalk #IslandsStrong #SanJuanIslands #VisitSanJuans
How it works:
Artists and Businesses will post once every 30 minutes or once per hour from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., duration of the Virtual Artwalk on April 16. Here are a few ideas for images that may be posted.
New work, images of the artist working, items for sale
Videos of artists working, Livestreams, new blog or vlog posts, etc.
Sales during the virtual artwalk
Gift Certificate Programs
How to buy work – website or landing page information
How to sign up for more information
What type of businesses can participate?
Any that would normally enjoy being open for an Artwalk! Wine shops, cheese shop, clothing boutique, galleries – the list is unlimited. Promote curbside pickup of to-go food, wine, cheese, etc.
Any artist or performer that would normally enjoy being on display at an Artwalk! Painters, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, soap makers, artisan foods, musicians, theatre, dancers, etc.
Customers can search for, find and follow the hashtag #VirtualArtwalkSJIS in the search bar of their favorite social media platform. Like, Share, Follow and Comment to have a great time, add some fun to your quarantine, and help the artists of San Juan County!
For more information for participants:
Artists Contact: Lisa Lamoreaux, San Juan Island artist, lisa@creative-legacy.com
Business Contact: Becki Risbell Day, SJI Chamber, becki@sanjuanisland.org
