In the vibrant city of Astoria, art takes center stage during the Second Saturday Art Walk on April 12. This event invites visitors to explore a rich tapestry of artistic expressions across various galleries and venues. From Christine Kende's coastal-inspired glasswork at Angi D Wildt Gallery to Rena Ekmanis’ poignant marine debris exhibit "Pelagic" at Astoria Visual Arts, the day promises a diverse range of experiences. Printmaker Kelli MacConnell showcases her dramatic Pacific Northwest landscapes at RiverSea Gallery, while Rebeccah Fries presents mesmerizing dreamlike paintings in her solo show at Cambium Gallery. Other highlights include Holly Marsh’s debut watercolor hearts inspired by kintsugi at Brut Wine Bar & Bottleshop, and Ted Messing’s steel sculptures interpreting nature’s beauty at Delilah. The event also features interactive opportunities such as artist meet-and-greets, live music, and painting demonstrations, offering an immersive journey into the world of creativity.

Astoria Visual Arts celebrates Earth Day with a thought-provoking exhibition titled "Pelagic." Curated by multidisciplinary artist Rena Ekmanis, this display transforms plastic waste collected from beaches into powerful artworks. Having spent years immersed in Hawaii’s oceanic environment, Ekmanis moved to Newport, where she discovered alarming levels of marine pollution. Her creations serve not only as aesthetic pieces but also as calls to action for environmental consciousness. Each piece invites viewers to reflect on humanity's relationship with nature and encourages collective responsibility toward preserving our planet. Through vivid depictions of marine life intertwined with discarded plastics, Ekmanis crafts narratives that highlight both the fragility and resilience of ecosystems affected by human activity.

At ARTstoria Gallery, spring is celebrated through new works capturing seasonal changes. Visitors can engage directly with artists who will be present throughout the day, discussing techniques and inspirations behind their craft. Alongside original pieces, guests may purchase prints, cards, journals, and scarves adorned with artistic designs. Meanwhile, upstairs at Astoria Studio Collective, emerging talents showcase their skills under the curation of Roy Sanchez. These young creators span multiple disciplines, including students contributing fresh perspectives to contemporary art forms. Attendees gain rare access inside personal studios, allowing them to witness creative processes firsthand and connect personally with those shaping modern visual culture.

LightBox Photographic Gallery challenges conventional ideas about scale with its group exhibition "Small and Connected." Eight talented photographers contribute intimate yet impactful images proving size does not dictate significance. Their compositions reveal intricate connections between seemingly unrelated subjects, encouraging deeper reflection upon viewing. Using varied approaches, these artists capture fleeting moments imbued with profound meaning, demonstrating how photography bridges gaps between everyday occurrences and universal truths. As part of the Art Walk festivities, LightBox welcomes attendees to experience this captivating collection during extended evening hours.

The collaborative project "Wreckage & Wanderlust," featured at Made in Astoria, exemplifies the dynamic interplay between memory and materiality. Heather Tomlinson and Greg Rawlins combine tufted textiles with poetic verse to form a dialogue exploring shifting recollections. By embracing imperfection and repurposing fragments, they create textured representations reflecting life’s transient qualities. This innovative partnership underscores the importance of honoring overlooked details within broader narratives, inviting audiences to reconsider familiar objects through unfamiliar lenses. Together, their work fosters introspection regarding how we perceive and preserve past experiences.

Beyond individual exhibitions, the Art Walk itself serves as a platform for community engagement and cultural enrichment. It provides a unique opportunity to traverse Astoria’s historic streets, discovering hidden gems tucked away in unexpected corners. Participants encounter everything from whimsical jewelry designs crafted by Sarah Hammond and Abbie Marshall at Menagerie Co-op to surreal oil paintings rendered by Paul Polson at his eponymous studio gallery. With each stop along the route, one encounters distinct voices united by shared passion—a testament to Astoria’s thriving artistic spirit.

This month's Art Walk offers far more than mere visual stimulation; it cultivates connection among people passionate about creativity and conservation. Through diverse mediums and messages, artists convey stories resonating deeply with local heritage while addressing global concerns. Whether drawn to striking visuals or philosophical musings, all are welcome to participate in this celebration of talent and tradition, leaving inspired long after the event concludes.