CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The First Friday ArtWalk filled the streets of Downtown Corpus Christi on Friday.
From when this event began to now, it is a completely different story. ArtWalk covers 12 blocks with over 100 local vendors, food trucks and more.
It brings community members downtown to support local and allows these business owners to showcase their skills and craftsmanship.
"We've really created a really wonderful combination of block parties that attract thousands of people down on the first Friday of each month," Corpus Christi Downtown Management District Executive Director Alyssa Barrera Mason said.
For the last 13 years, First Friday ArtWalk has welcomed people to Downtown Corpus Christi. Barrera Mason said the downtown area used to be the heart of commerce, business and art. She said they want to restore that, and this type of event can help.
"This is really a time where small businesses come together, vendors, food trucks, musicians, creatives and it's just a wonderful showcase of our community's creativity," Barrera Mason said.
ArtWalk originally started in La Retama Park as a much smaller event, but over time, more people came and the event outgrew the park!
One artist selling her work on Friday was Lorraine Rodriguez. She grew up in Corpus Christi and said last April was the first time she brought her custom drinkware to the event.
"I started with, I think, 12 cups and now I have 40 glass cups and more mugs and cold cups and tote bags," Rodriguez said. "I have way more than I started with."
Rodriguez customizes items using vinyl. She said ArtWalk gives her an opportunity to connect with other vendors and learn about their experiences. She said it is also a great way to meet more people in her community.
"Seeing their faces, like when they get really excited about what I've created. It just fills me with so much joy and I feel so validated that my art is, like, inspiring and sparking joy with other people," Rodriguez said.
ArtWalk runs from 6-10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Barerra Mason said the block-party format will extend until the fall.