“Downtown is never more alive than it is on the third Thursdays of summer,” said Kirk Sullivan, chamber board member and Saranac Lake’s Arts and Culture Advisory Board chair. “There were visitors and residents up and down the street, taking in everything our local business and art community has to offer. It was great to see downtown filled with so much activity.”

As you strolled along the streets of downtown, more than 30 artists were showcasing their talents in partnership with sponsoring businesses and organizations. There were oil painters alongside singer-songwriters, tap dancers, photographers, spoken poetry, even wood carving. Artists of all genres and skill levels were encouraged to participate in this melting pot of local creativity.

The first ArtWalk also included an exciting unveiling of a new bronze plaque along the village of Saranac Lake Walk of Fame honoring Broadway and film star Faye Dunaway, who spent two summers in the 1960s waitressing at the Dew Drop Inn in Saranac Lake.

“Saranac Lake has embraced its claims to fame with a Walk of Fame,” said village Trustee Kelly Brunette. “Over the years, this small mountain village has attracted a diverse selection of people. That’s why we created the Walk of Fame, an ever-expanding list of famous Saranac Lakers who either visited or lived here.”

Visitors walk up and down Main Street, Saranac Lake, during the Third Thursday ArtWalk on July 15. (Provided photo — Sydney Schmidt)

Each ArtWalk is free to the public and will continue each third Thursday of the month until September from 5 to 7:30 p.m. ArtWalk maps are available at participating art venues and the Saranac Lake Welcome Center at the Harrietstown Town Hall each night of the event.

People who missed out on the ArtWalks will have another opportunity to experience the area’s local art scene this weekend. Saranac Lake ArtWorks and the Chamber is also partnering to host two Saranac Lake ArtMarkets on July 24 and Sept. 18. These events will take place at Riverfront Park next to the Lake Flower boat launch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. These outdoor, farmers market-style ArtMarkets were established in the fall of 2020 out of a need for artists to showcase and market their talents during the pandemic. The first ArtMarket will include more than 20 artists and live music. The events are generously supported by funding from BluSeed Studios and the Franklin County Destination Event Sponsorship Program.

All artists or businesses interested in participating in the Third Thursday ArtWalks or the Saranac Lake ArtMarket can contact Patrick Murphy at 518-897-3217 or patrick@murphyminded.com.