The Midland Art Crawl, a quarterly event that unites local artists and the community, has quickly become a highlight in Midland’s cultural scene. The event is spread across multiple venues in Midland and features a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
Midland Art Crawl Founder and President Stacey Livingston shared insights into the event's history, growth, and future aspirations, as the crawl continues to gain momentum since its inception in June 2022.
"We wanted to create an accessible and enjoyable space for local artists to present their work while also boosting online visibility for our art community," Livingston said.
The event was born after six months of research into similar events, initially launching under Midland AF. By spring 2023, the event had evolved enough to warrant its own non-profit status, allowing for more focused growth and better funding opportunities.
Taking place every quarter, the Midland Art Crawl has expanded significantly from its beginnings with just six venues. "Originally part of Midland AF, the crawl has steadily developed its own identity," Livingston said. This growth has led to increased artist participation, with membership now at 80, and community engagement, with some venues seeing up to 200 visitors.
Looking ahead, the Midland Art Crawl has ambitious plans.
"We’re excited to launch a film festival and scriptwriting competition in early 2026," Livingston said.
Additionally, the organization aims to branch out into culinary arts, offer artist workshops, and develop programs to help artists turn their passions into viable businesses. The broader goal is to support economic diversification and boost cultural tourism in Midland.
Livingston emphasized the importance of art in connecting people and sharing new perspectives about the world.
"Art has a unique ability to convey emotions and ideas that words often can’t," she said.
Reflecting on her favorite aspects of the crawl, Livingston enjoys seeing the creativity of the participating venues and the community’s enthusiasm for supporting local artists.
"It’s rewarding to watch the community come together and embrace our local talent," she said.
The next Midland Art Crawl is set for Sept. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Livingston encourages community members to get involved.
"We’re looking for sponsorships and volunteers to help us grow the crawl and expand into new areas like film, culinary arts, and more," she said.
Those interested in shaping the future of the event are invited to join committees and take an active role in its development.
With deep roots in Midland’s artistic community, the Midland Art Crawl is on its way to becoming a cornerstone event, drawing artists, residents, and visitors together in a celebration of creativity and culture.