Deadline to register for the "Sunnyland Stomp" coming soon

The deadline to register for the 2010 “Sunnyland Backyard Art Stomp” is drawing close; local artists interested in having their work featured in the neighborhood art showing should register by June 15, according to founder Alice Clark.

This year’s “Stomp” will take place on Saturday, July 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The art walk is open to a variety of artistic styles and mediums, including live music.

“What I really like about the “Stomp” is that there's no real rules,” she said.

Registration forms can be downloaded at the event’s web site. There is a $10 registration fee, which will go towards future advertising for the event, according to Clark.

Sunnyland neighborhood backyards transform into art galleries for the second annual Stomp

Founded in 2009, the “Art Stomp” is an annual art walk held in the Sunnyland neighborhood during which local artists set up temporary galleries in Sunnyland backyards.

Clark and Edlen Siddle both received awards at the 31st Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards in March for organizing the event.

Last year around 18 backyards were turned into galleries, often with multiple artists often being showcased in a single yard, Clark said.

The event is open to the community; participation is not restricted to Sunnyland residents, according to Clark.

Artists interested in having their work featured do not have to set up in their own backyard; Sunnyland residents are opening up their yards to showcase other people’s work, she said.

According to Clark the event's Facebook page is a good way for artists to connect with Sunnyland neighbors.

“Stomp” combines Swedish tradition with local art

Clark was inspired to organize the “Stomp” after hearing about her mother's travels through Sweden and her stories about potlucks where guests would bring art along with food.

“I thought that was really cool,” Clark said. “Not only do you get to eat together but you also get to learn more about each other by looking at other people's art.”

Originally going to be a small potluck in Clark's backyard, the event quickly became a neighborhood-wide art walk as more people became interested in participating.

According to Clark, she is hoping to get even more involvement and attendance this year.

“People should come,” she said. “It's going to be a lot of fun.”