Storefront Competition infuses Waterloo Road with artistic flair

One of the competitors in the storefront competition creates a new reflection for Waterloo.

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The holiday season has officially started. People are out shopping. Festive music is filling the air and a variety of displays are going up in the storefronts. Waterloo Road is no different. On Saturday, December 1st, several storefronts on Waterloo were christened with artistic flavor. It was opening night for the Winter Storefront Competition (dubbed "The Sip and Stroll"). The competition is the brainchild of Ivana Medukic, owner of Project Pop-up Galleries in North Collinwood. Project Pop-up Galleries provide artists with unconventional spaces to exhibit their work and the opportunity to contribute to the development of an emerging artist community. During the months of October and November, several merchants and owners of vacant storefront properties were approached and asked to participate and allow local artists to mount temporary installations in their storefronts. Participating artists for this competition are Rachel Strongoli, MCXIII, Lauren Gucik, Joe Bruzas, Jonah Jacobs, Garrett Weider, Allison Lukacsy and Steven Love, David Desimone & Ron Copeland, and Richard A. Mayer. 

Refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, hot chocolate and music helped to kick of the event which began at 6 P.M. Chloe's Kitchen Diner was open for business and offered a listing of works that were on display. Chloe’s was also a stopping point for complimentary hot chocolate and an assortment of locally-made cookies by Buettner’s Bakery. The Callaloo Cafe (formerly The Cafe at Arts Collinwood) hosted a pre-opening menu-tasting and gave samples of the Caribbean and International cuisine that will be offered to their patrons. There was also a trio from the group “Blues De Ville” performing soulful music as guests enjoyed these samples. Callaloo will have its grand opening in early 2013. The Waterloo Sculpture Garden also offered refreshments and Waterloo Studios Gallery offered a complimentary piece of local gourmet chocolate by Baker Candies (Yum!). Visitors touring Waterloo had the opportunity to text in their votes for their favorite displays. 

If you were unable to attend on opening night, no worries, the installations will remain on display from December 1st through January 2013. So, you can still come down to Waterloo and cast your vote. While you’re there, please shop the local music, vintage and toy shops and purchase unique gifts for the one-of-a-kind people on your list or the one-of-a-kind person that is YOU! Your support is greatly appreciated!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!