Pittsburg’s creative arts community is looking for artists for the debut of its monthly art walk festival, Art Trax, opening Thursday, April 20.

According to the flier and guidelines found on their website, Art Trax’s monthly shows will consist of a plethora of art displayed in local businesses throughout Old Town Pittsburg.

The Pittsburg City of Commerce and the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation sponsor the program. They currently have 17 locations that will have showings the third Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m.  

Retired social worker and artist Sheila Smith has been working since last fall to bring her ideas of Art Trax and Creative Pittsburg to fruition.

“I began talking to businesses and civic groups about it.  Everyone liked the ideas, and now we’re ready to accept submissions for display at the first event,” said Smith.

For the first showing and future shows, the businesses at which the artwork is displayed will host a small reception with the artists present to talk to attendees about their pieces.

Although there are no jurors or entry fees required, each individual business will chose the art to be displayed in their store based on which pieces they feel best fit the environment.

“We expect to have a map of locations offering displays, and visitors can go from one to another at no charge.  Restaurants will be open, and the venues may offer refreshments as well,” said Smith. “I hope it will be a fun and family-friendly event.”

Art for this event is not restricted to only visual artists, but a sample of work should be submitted for the different businesses’ consideration. Deadline to submit a piece for the first art show ends Friday, March 3.

“There is no limit on the number of submissions, or on the type of art – visual, performance, music – that can be offered,” said Smith.

This festival is just one of the many ideas brainstormed at the Creative Pittsburg community meetings. Other events they have planned for the future include a Santa Crawl during Christmas, a community pool party and other art and performances planned.

For additional information about Art Trax, artist and host guidelines or future Creative Pittsburg meetings visit creativepittsburg.org or email Smith at [email protected].