Every St. Louisan has a favorite city-spot for soaking up the bustling energy of the crowds (my favorite is The Loop).  This Friday, the usually quiet, evening sidewalks of the Grand Center district will come alive for 2011 ArtWalk.

Street performers and a cupcake truck will be on hand for a little levity.  The contagious sounds of 'Mississippi Blues' will fill the district when The Jeremiah Johnson Band plays a free concert at Strauss Park from 5:00-8:30.  But the main course is the artistic smorgasbord of 12 galleries and museums sporting extended hours (until 9pm in most cases). There will be exhibition openings at two of the Grand Center galleries: The Contemporary Museum Art Museum and the Bruno David Gallery.  Shuttle buses will be on hand to help you take it all in.

Here is the best part; the piece de resistance is the outdoor screening of Alfred Hitchcock's, Spellbound at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts.  The film is being screened in conjunction with their haunting exhibition; "Dreamscapes" (do check it out and be sure to pick up the old-timey phones that are a part of the exhibition).  The film was selected due in large part to the surrealist dream sequences created by Salvador Dali.

You won't find that dime-a-dozen carnival atmosphere at ArtWalk; just like your favorite city-spot, this is simply an experience.  As Kelly Weber, Marketing Director of Grand Center, observes, "The best part of ArtWalk is being entertained and surprised while strolling from place to place."  Still aren't sure what to expect?  Perfect!  See you there.

 Drew Davis www.twitter.com/svo1905