This is ArtWalk's second year as a signature fundraiser for the Bothwell Arts Center, which provides support and affordable rehearsal, teaching, performing, and studio space to over 40 artists and local groups. Over 10,000 people benefit each year from the services and space offered by the Bothwell.

The Bothwell Arts Center is located at 2466 8th Street, Livermore, and is a project of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center. LVPAC leases the center through a generous arrangement with Livermore Area Recreation & Parks Department, which helps to keep the space affordable.

The Bothwell's biggest fundraiser besides ArtWalk is the annual Mardi Gras celebration called "New Orleans Bash at the Bothwell", scheduled for February 12, 2010. It's a kick. Mark your calendar now!

The Bothwell Arts Center is managed by Linda Ryan, a local artist and the originator of ArtWalk.

Besides long hours on the part of LVPAC staff (thank you Carol, Nancy, Ann, Kimberly, Bernie, Michelle, Jole, Brittany, Lexi, and our wonderful Ticketing Office staff), ArtWalk happens through the efforts of many key volunteers. Although there are so many involved, at least a few key individuals should be thanked! Thank you to Jann Bisterfeldt for jumping in to help coordinate the event day and bring in sponsorships; Teri Tith and Rebecca Paris for helping to bring the arts activities to fruition; Claire Marcel helping to bring the art banner project to life and Diana Marion for her help with the middle school banners and more; thank you for the graphic design and/or website and just all-around volunteer help from Andrew Edwards, Katie Caulk, Jennie McGregor, John Beahm and Aaron Lenhoff; thanks to Jen Lock's marketing assistance and for the help of Durk Edwards and young people like Chris Ellis and Dylan Ferrucci; we appreciate Don Meeker's help with materials handling and errands; thank you to Monica Kulander and Chris Mohammed and the many others who slaved to get the business sign-ups done; thanks to the Bothwell artists who have helped with a multitude of tasks; the many musicians who donate their talents each year; and to the 50-plus event volunteers who will be working the day before, the day of, and the day after ArtWalk to make it a pleasurable event for everyone who comes, a big big thanks is due. There are many, many more who help along the way, and we want everyone to know that they are appreciated.

The first ArtWalk, held in 2002, was organized by Linda Ryan with help from her friends, Duane Gordon, Marjorie McMahan, Diana Marion, and many volunteers who donated time, funding, and physical labor. Seeing the need for a nonprofit to run the event, David Collins stepped in to help form Tri-Valley Artist’s Guild (TVAG), and the next several years of ArtWalk were run through their efforts, joined by Kathi Bequette, Stephanie Ball, Katie Caulk, Sherri Swanson and, again, help from many friends and volunteers.

With a goal of bringing a variety of fine arts to the public and to prove that visual art can be a viable economic driver for a town, the event was immediately successful and has continued to grow exponentially each year. Along the way, TVAG has created temporary "gallery" displays in downtown windows, held art exhibitions, assisted businesses, local civic organizations and wineries with art shows, referrals and hangings, collaborated on the Exphrasis exhibition at Big White House Winery, and run Teen Art Night and small arts workshops.

However, in 2007, after a highly successful ArtWalk, TVAG concluded that the ArtWalk event required a larger organization to run it and allow it to continue to flourish. When it became clear in early summer of 2008 that no other organization was stepping up to run the event, they went into negotiations with LVPAC to explore the possibilities of it becoming a Bothwell Arts Center fundraiser.

ArtWalk 2008 was a great hit, and the Bothwell, TVAG and the artists that benefit from the event are happy to have it continue.

While TVAG's involvement this year is minimal, extending mainly to free access of the ArtWalk signage, markers and TVAG display panels for the event, several of its board members are volunteering, in a more limited capacity, to the 2008 ArtWalk. TVAG is grateful to see the event they worked so hard to build will continue, and happy that it helps to support the Bothwell.