McKinney -- By definition, art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. While art typically refers to sculptures and paintings, music is another creative skill driven by imagination. Historic downtown McKinney's Second Saturday Art Walk offered a window into this world of creativity by allowing a glimpse of painters, musicians, potters and other artists at work.

Downtown McKinney has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past 15 years, however the price of success is that art tends to be marginalized. While enthusiastic art patrons such as McKinney entrepreneur Don Day have certainly done their share to support a thriving art community, it is a community with a less visible role these days in this historic and charming downtown.

As downtown McKinney transitioned into a dining, shopping and entertainment destination, the number of galleries have declined. But perhaps that makes events like Second Saturday's Art Walk even more enjoyable when they come along.

Whether it was a young violinist busking on the sidewalk to earn money for a better instrument, or an open door beckoning visitors to brave the stairs that lead up to the fine art studio of Rachel Reitan, this was the art community's day in the sun. And they were basking in the glow. Maybe it was a trio, Terna, playing everything from REM to salsa to the Beatles that stole the show, but this wasn't a competition...it was an evening to appreciate the creative process, regardless of how it manifests itself.

Picasso famously observed, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life," and Saturday was a chance to shake off a little dust.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Themes for upcoming Second Saturday events in McKinney include Downtown Sidewalk Sale on July 14, Family Game Night scheduled for August 11 and Foodie Walk set for September 8.

Access directions and parking information for downtown McKinney here. While you’re on the square, take advantage of the free DASH trolley, which circulates downtown.

photos by Allen Rich