Pop UP Newton Art Walk- Fall 2015

A few pics from the Pop -Up Newton Art Walk held earlier this fall. It was a magical night and one that we hope will be repeated again and again. Stop by the AGENT C Gallery Thursdays and Saturdays 12-4 to see some wonderful art and then stroll farther north to check out the Cabinets of Curiosity. Grab a coffee and treat at Espresso Cafe while you're at it. Maybe pick up some authentic Filipino food at the tiny grocery just steps away? 

Lots to enjoy on this 2 block stretch in downtown Newton. 7300 block of 137th Street north toward 74th Avenue.

Rhiannon Paskall joined in the festivities.

Food Trucks! We had Food Trucks!

City Councillor Judy Villeneuve  spoke about the importance of Arts and revitalization

Philip Aguirre of the Newton Business Association spoke

MLA Harry Bains whose office is on the block said a few words

Happy participants having fun creating art on the sidewalk!

One of the Cabinets of Curiosity

Beautiful sculptural piece, part of the Cabinets of Curiosity

We were treated to lovely music in this little courtyard- perfect for an autumn evening

Jude Hannah- ReNewton and Councillor Judy Villeneuve  at Agent C Gallery

Agent C Gallery After Dark.....

The most important thing to remember when talking about revitalization is that the community has to support local businesses with their dollars! Bemoaning businesses closing is hypocritical if you never frequented the establishment. We're all in this together. It means so much to our local economy and the quality of life here in the downtown area. Please, as the holidays approach, spend your dollars here in the neighbourhood. Thanks!

What Role do Arts and Culture Play in Community Revitalization?

"....in order to be successful, cities are going to have to be dense, diverse, animated and interesting.

That only happens when arts and culture are at the heart of communities".

Here in downtown Newton we have the  jumping off points to creating something magical, vibrant and authentic.
 A new business improvement association, several international food shops, Surrey artists' fave hang out  Deserres ,  an intimate cultural centre with lots of potential, and a core community group of individuals who are more than ready to get to work.
What we need now, as the video states is a ' coalition of the willing'.
Let's hope 2015 is the year that Newton finally gets its due.

 I hope you're as inspired  as I am by this brief video.

4 Things to do Today in South Newton!

Here's What's Happening Today 

in  

South Newton!

Hard to believe that  it's been a year since  DeSerres opened its doors on the King George in Newton.  If you still haven't  been, today's the day to pop-in and congratulate them. 

 DeSerres is an art, craft, toy, gift, home decor store all in one. 

It's gorgeous. 

The prices are great. 

The staff is friendly and helpful and  DeSerres is Canadian!!  

The Best Selection of Paint Supplies in Town!

Between 2-4 Cheer on your favourite team !
Frank Hurt Sec. School vs. Guildford Park Secondary School in a painting competition! Bring it on!

 Surrey Newton MLA Harry Bains and members of the Surrey Arts Council with Owner Marc DeSerres at last April's Grand Opening!

Gorgeous Decor throughout the Store.

Tons of Toys and Craft Supplies for Kids!

Triple - O !!

Sullivan Heights Dry Grad Fundraiser! 
Bottle Drive,

Moms hard at work sorting those bottle donations!

Jeep Drive-a-Thon, and Food Trucks!

One of the food trucks onsite today- Uncle Kebab!

One of the first Sullivan Heights Grads!

144th and 64th Avenue. 11-4 today!
 Support  Those Kids! They're going to the leaders of tomorrow!

Friends of the Grove meet around 10:30 this morning at the trees near the  Newton Wave Pool  for an informal chat and brainstorm session. Everyone welcome to pop in and share your ideas for making the bus loop area  and Rec Centre a more family friendly spot! 

And  finally, Surrey Fire Fighters and Hospice Society Thrift Store is holding a Lululemon Sale today at the store in Newton  just off King George and 72nd.  Let's Shop!

Brainstorming at The Grove....

A few of us braved the cold damp weather Saturday for a brainstorming session at The Grove,  the treed area adjacent to the Newton Wave Pool and arena.
 There were lots of great ideas for turning this space into a more user friendly 'commons' some permanent, others just for a day.
Think "Jason Roberts" and his Better Block recommendations for Newton.

 Imagine a canopy of twinkling lights like the night sky hung high in the trees, a giant chess board, flags strung from trees, kids art projects displayed.   Maybe a farmers market, and cafe. Food trucks? Food always brings people together.
Those are just a few of dozens of creative suggestions tossed about.

 So nice to see our community stepping up ! Stay tuned, this is just the beginning.

Brainstorming at The Grove

These trees are gorgeous. We're lucky to have them in an urban setting!

Imagine this place full of "shiny happy people!"

This mural is a great jumping off point. Let's fill Newton with big bright splashes of colour.
Paint the town red and blue, purple and yellow too. We can make murals "our Newton thing".  

Chess board here?

This boy has the right idea. Already naming the place The Grove!

Artist at Work!

From Vacant to Vibrant. An Arts District for Surrey?

ReVisting ReNewton's  ReVitalization Goal....

Close your eyes and imagine this...

A vibrant corner in the heart of your city. Cafes, Shops, Music, Galleries,  FOOD!  and maybe a craft brewery or wine shop. Lots of retail, and live/work spaces above for artists and crafts people.

 A community hub for the rainbow of ethnicities who call this place home. One of the most appealing aspects of living in Newton is its cultural diversity. Perfect for an International Village type environment.

A 'Third Place"

 And, as so many of you  are telling us,  the return of the much loved farmers/public market of the 80s! 

The cries to bring the market back are heard everywhere we go!  

Now imagine this for the stretch of King George Blvd between 6oth and 74th Avenues  in the South Newton area of Surrey. Maybe the promised "Festival Street" could  become a magnet for young musicians and artists. Live/Work spaces, music and art studios anyone?

 The absolute smack-dab heart of Surrey.

 Right now it's still a dream, but  it could become a reality.  When I met with urban planning guru Ellen Dunham-Jones  last year at Simon Fraser University she encouraged us to " keep on fighting"to  Retrofit Suburbia

All it takes is bit of community spirit, a few dollars and decision makers with a vision and a mindset to think ever so slightly 'out-of-the-box'

Imagine ....

    THE GEORGE ARTS DISTRICT

not just for artists

One city's plan to create a vibrant arts+retail hub

Public gathering space - a place where ideas and community live,. A busy place is a SAFE place!

  

What one community did- notice any difference?

 If you support ReImagining, ReCreating and ReVitalizing Newton, 

consider yourself officially a member of ReNewton Nation

Vacant building on the King George has sat empty for 18 years

.

Newton got the slots back in 2012. They are slated to be removed soon.

* Slots have since been removed.

The King George is in need of a suburban retrofitting intervention!

ARTS DISTRICT-not just for artists