I wasn't sure what to expect from a small town like Monroe, N.C. Or maybe more accurately, I had a lot of suspicions and perhaps a handful of stereotypes about such a small town in the southern states. I've always heard my sister Jaime say good things about Monroe, but it's hard to trust someone who may be a bit biased; She is finishing off her residency at the local hospital, has joined the local dinner club and book club, and has wrapped herself up in the local politics. Jaime's Martha Stewart like gusto had me a bit nervous about visiting her and mingling with the locals, but when she let me know we'd be attending the Monroe Art Walk on my first night in town, my nerves were quelled and my interest sparked.

We had a pleasant walk into town. The streets were crisp: strings of lights hung from street light to street light reflecting onto shallow puddles, and people were spilling out of several of the buildings, which all looked fairly nostalgic but not dilapidated. We were greeted outside of a hair salon which was exhibiting some of the local work. I'd soon find out that there were around ten stops along the Art Walk spread amongst local shops and one art studio, showcasing over twenty-five local artists. Being taken into a place where people get perms and highlights to look at art felt surprisingly good. I think it was the free entry and the way this art felt moderately in line with my ideals about making art more accessible to the public.

After meandering around the back rooms of the salon, we exited back onto the street and a few steps later, I was led up a flight of stairs, through a room with dull-coloured checkered carpet and into a large, open room with high ceilings. Colourful and engaging art popped out from the jagged edges of the exposed brick walls and an eclectic mix of people were drinking wine and eying the artwork. A particular piece called to me: an homage to Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, complete with frames from a retro commercial. The beer – a cheap and nasty drink that even broke college students shy away from. The artist – Bill Colt, who adds texture to his artwork by utilizing cheesecloth, wood, and other bits and bobs. I was fortunate enough to talk with him and uncover the mystery behind such a peculiar and engaging piece of art. When I enquired why it was not for sale, he explained that he had entered it into a competition held by PBR's brewing company. In case he doesn't win, I made sure to leave him with my contact information for a future sales negotiation.

The rest of the night was spent drinking more free wine and tasting more and more eye-fulls of the local Monroevian art. I spoke to a few more local artists and to art-lovers, whom, with the turnout at the Art Walk seems to make up a large portion of Monroe. I originally went to Monroe hoping not to come out married and owning a turkey farm, but I came out with broadened eyes, an appreciation for a community's support of the arts and a hint of sadness for having to leave after only a brief stint in this small southern town.

Thanks, Monroe!

Another favourite of the evening was a painting of donuts (which you can view below)done by artist and art teacher, Joseph Suttle.

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