Alex Smythe is looking to breathe new life into the V&E Greenline with the creation of the V&E Art Walk on April 21st. In the hopes that the event will become an annual occurrence, Smythe and the Vollintine-Evergreen Community Association (VECA) look to stimulate use of the area’s Greenline and raise money to help keep the space safe and beautiful, while also providing another outlet for artists in the community.
“I moved into my house on Lyndale about a year ago, and it backs up onto the Greenline. I started running there regularly and realized how awesome this kind of inner-city trail was,” says Smythe.
“What I was thinking was that I’ve done the Cooper Young Festival a couple of times, why not have a show just like that, but along the Greenline?”
The event, to take place between McLean and Stonewall, will feature local artists as well as student work from the University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and the Memphis College of Art. Participating artists are asked to contribute one piece of work to a silent auction, with all proceeds directly benefiting the V&E Greenline.
Food trucks will be on hand from vendors such as YoLo and Cafe Eclectic, along with live music from local musicians including Jeff Hulett and Paul Taylor. And Memphis area non-profits like the Wolf River Conservancy will also participate in the exciting new endeavor.
Applications for booth space can be picked up at the VECA Welcome Center on Jackson Avenue, or downloaded from the organization’s website. Also, be sure to check out the event’s Facebook page. For more information, contact Smythe at 461-4387 or thealexsmythe@gmail.com.
