The Arts Crawl was lauded by many as a huge success. This is because of the hard work of all those involved in making it happen as well as the attendees who had a great time enjoying the multitude of activities on Mission Street.
“Every year, we try to do things a little different,” said David Plenn, owner of The Dinosaur Farm. “It’s always fun when people come in for the first time or come back to see what is new.”
There were plenty of kids getting their faces painted in front of his store. Omar Soufi, 11, couldn’t wait to see the T-Rex on his face painted by Chelsea Reynolds.
Down a few doors, Two Kids Coffee had arts and crafts for kids of all ages with some drawing funny pictures. Co-owner Dylan Mangahis said the open space in the front half of the store allows for community events like the Arts Crawl.
More art was being splattered down the road at the Artisans’ Corner where kids threw paint on a “canvas.” Organized by Hope Perello, founder of the South Pasadena Arts Center, the fun activities near the Metro Gold Line allowed kids to be kids and enjoy themselves on Saturday.
“I love when the kids are having fun like this,” said Marie Switzer Miller of the South Pasadena Historical Museum.
Hotbox Vintage was celebrating its new opening behind the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Co-owner Murdoch Currie said the Arts Crawl has always attracted a lot of people and, sure enough, it was busy at the new location.
Peggy Hodgson has been operating Hodgson’s Antiques for almost 48 years in South Pasadena. She loves events like the Arts Crawl that attract new visitors as well as local residents.
“It’s fun to meet people and stay open a little later,” said Hodgson.
She always gets a kick when people walk in and then realize how much bigger her store is once they step inside.
Meanwhile, local artist Pete Morris was being showcased at the South Pasadena Library. Known as the “Metro DaVinci,” Morris is a prolific painter, who creates every day.
“I’m very honored to be here and I jumped at the opportunity to have this exhibit for the Arts Crawl,” he said. “This is unusual to have this much space to showcase my work.”
Morris said he brought over 150 pieces of art to the show representing various subjects: landmarks, neighborhoods, coastal, metro, scenic, urban, people, musicians, and portraits.
“I’ve always looked for opportunities to paint,” said Morris. “I would paint while on lunch or sometimes even pulling off the road.”
Everyone who attended the Arts Crawl saw children laughing and playing and adults meeting old friends and enjoying good food and entertainment. At the library, a young family was overheard to be “already looking forward to the next” Arts Crawl.
