By Bailey Neal

The Center for Contemporary Arts is encouraging ArtWalk visitors to “Think Pink” this month in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The “theme” for the Oct. 8 ArtWalk is actually ChalkWalk, an annual theme, but most vendors will be highlighting breast cancer awareness. The Center is doing its part as well, with art exhibits celebrating breast cancer survivors and educating visitors about the disease.
Featured exhibits this month include Recovery, by Ash Almonte, which will be displayed in the Breed Gallery, as well as a portrait exhibit by Shannon Story of Simone Swann.  Get on Board, a collaborative exhibit by members of the Center’s Board of Trustees and artists, will also be featured, as well as Young Immigrants by artist Kim Alexander.
The Center will also be distributing chalk to artists of any age who are interested in decorating Cypress street with Chalk-art.
ChalkWalk was created originally as a way to encourage families with children to attend, said Nicole Coddington, the ArtWalk coordinator. Chalk will be provided so attendees can create their own artwork on the sidewalks of Downtown Abilene.
“We want everybody to come down to the venue and participate,” Coddington said.
ArtWalk is a monthly event that promotes cultural tourism in a family-friendly environment, Coddington said. The event is free and is organized in the “street fair” tradition; many storeowners bring their wares outside to the crowds.
Chelsey Godfrey, sophomore public relations major from Highland Village, plans on attending, motivated mainly by the extended shopping hours.
“It sounds like it should be fun,” Godfrey said. “It’s not very often that Abilene offers family-friendly activities that late at night. When they do, I feel like I need to take advantage of that.”
Featured exhibits vary each month, but an updated list of information for the October ArtWalk can be found at www.center-arts.com.