New Haven, CT – The streets of downtown New Haven are bursting with color since the inaugural Window Art Stroll & Contest debuted on May 15.
Hosted by The Shops at Yale and Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District, the Window Art Stroll & Contest is a self-guided walking tour with an online people’s choice voting system which showcases the talent of 30 Connecticut artists by bringing their work outdoors for everyone to enjoy.
Through Sunday, June 27, guests visiting the Broadway, Chapel, and Whitney-Audubon districts can see one-of-a-kind paintings made by local artists on storefront windows, and then vote on their favorites for a chance to win gift cards to local retailers and restaurants. Live music by local solo musicians also adds to the festivities on Saturdays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
“In this city of the arts, it makes so much sense to take advantage of our beautiful window ‘canvases’ as a pathway to our magnificent galleries and museums,” said Claire Criscuolo, owner of Claire’s Corner Copia on Chapel Street, who was paired with artist Wing Na Wong.
“Stroll the streets as you enjoy window art leading to the Yale Art Gallery — which we are so delighted to have reopened again!”
Installations took place on Saturday, May 15, where guests watched as artists transformed merchants’ windows into colorful, summer-themed masterpieces.
“What I love the most about working outdoors is being able to interact with the people that walk by,” said artist Zach Chernak, who painted a summer-inspired caricature of Yale’s mascot “Handsome Dan” on the front window of lululemon on Broadway.
“Whether that is talking with them, answering questions, or just working while they observe, it's a great opportunity to meet new people and get a little exposure.” Zach continued, “People should come to the art stroll to experience a wide range of talents and styles, while enjoying beautiful downtown New Haven. All of the artists put in a lot of work to add something compelling to each storefront. I have no doubt there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Guests are encouraged to vote at TheShopsatYale.com/ArtStroll for their favorite art display after they complete the walk — and those who do will be automatically entered to win $50 gift cards to various retailers and restaurants, including L.L.Bean, lululemon, Raggs for Men & Women, Walker-Loden, Katalina’s Bakery, J.Crew, and more!
More than 400 votes have already been received. The stroll is about 1.5 miles and can be done in a little over an hour, although there are many great restaurants, cafes, eateries, retail shops, and architectural points of interest along the route so walking times could vary from an hour to a full afternoon.
Prizes will be awarded to artists for first, second, and third place, as well as for Best Summer Theme on Broadway, Chapel Street, and Whitney Avenue. Winners will be announced during the week of June 28. Printed event guides with walking maps are available through June 27 inside participating merchants during normal hours of operation, or electronically online at TheShopsatYale.com/ArtStroll. The window art installations are temporary and will be removed after June 27. Convenient hourly parking is available at surface parking lots adjacent to stores and restaurants — 255 Crown Street, 56 Broadway, 40 Dixwell Avenue, and 78 Audubon Street. Directions can be found at TheShopsatYale.com/Park and WhitneyAudubon.com/Parking. Currently, The Shops at Yale is offering two hours of free parking with a $25 or more same-day purchase from participating retailers and restaurants at the 56 Broadway and 255 Crown Street parking lots, TheShopsatYale.com/FreeParking.
