Seventh Annual “RAD Studio Cruise” Amplified for 2014

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Rail Arts District Gathers Steam for its Largest & Most Diverse Event Yet – Avondale Estates, Scottdale & (East) Decatur

        March 15, 2014 (12 noon to 8:00 p.m.) Free event in thriving arts community. Six large anchor studios & several individual studios in the surrounding area.  Check out the Google Map!

  • Firsts this Year:
  •  Free trolleys running all day between RAD locations.
  •  New Scottdale studio on the roster: recently opened Paper Trail Arts Center.
  •   First time East Decatur studios are on the roster: Paradise Studios & Sycamore Studios.Special Events in Downtown Avondale:  Unveiling of Tudor Square Re-Development Plans! The Market Events building (formerly the Academy Theater) will showcase the remarkable plans that will transform Tudor Square & are already in progress. Stroll & sample artisanal foods & beverages; enjoy the popular Root City Market setting up shop here for the very first time.

Appealing, vintage Towne Cinema to be opened to the public for first time in years. To     feature musical performances & exhibits.

 

Avondale Estates/Scottdale/(East) Decatur – February 25, 2014 – The seventh Annual ‘RAD Studio Cruise’ on Saturday, March 15, 2014 (12 noon to 8:00 pm) has been expanded, making it the Rail Arts District’s largest and most diverse event to date. It includes six large working artist studios, and several individual studios hosting artist demonstrations and art sales in varied price points and mediums from painting to pottery, glasswork, paper arts, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fiber arts and more.

The free, open-to-the-public event is on-track to draw thousands of attendees, and for the first time since 2007, will offer free trolley service between participating venues. The artist studios are located in buildings along a stretch of CSX rails running through Avondale Estates, Scottdale and (East) Decatur. Visitors can download a RAD Studio Cruise Map and Schedule of Events at www.railartsdistrict.com.

Another highlight and trolley stop is in downtown Avondale where two major buildings are hosting special events. The Market Events building in Tudor Square will be open for the first time since it was the Academy Theater. Sample artisanal foods & beverages, and enjoy the popular Root City Market that will set up shop in this location for the very first time.The space will be decked out with visuals showing the remarkable re-development plans that will transform Tudor Square and are already in progress. Avondale Mayor Ed Rieker will be on hand as host. Additionally, the charming Towne Cinema in the city’s Tudor

Village will be open to the public for the first time in years and will offer free music performances and exhibits. Originally built in 1925 and converted into a theater in 1938, it has long been a cherished vintage building in the city.

Several MARTA train and bus stops are in Avondale Estates and Decatur, and parking is available in any of the public parking locations in either city. RAD trolleys offer the option to park once and ride between the RAD venues. The trolley stops will include a stop at the north side Avondale Station. Visitors can take in deliciously diverse artworks, witness art in action, enjoy refreshments and performance, and get to know area boutiques and their artist friends. Visitors are encouraged to stay in the area, and enjoy a creative night of art paired with the many local dining and entertainment options for which these cities are known.

About the Rail Arts District and RAD Studio Cruise:

The Rail Arts District is a teeming artists’ community in the metro-Atlanta area comprised of large art studios, formal galleries and dozens of individual studios for visual and performing artists. For the past decade these studios have grown, taking over mid-century industrial space and warehouse buildings along a portion of a CSX rail line that passes behind downtown Avondale Estates, into the Laredo Drive and Scottdale area, and along East Ponce De Leon Avenue into (East) Decatur.

Throughout the year, these active community art spaces offer lessons, exhibits, workshops, performance space, studio rentals, classes, and of course artwork sales and exhibits. Reasonably priced industrial space and strongly supportive surrounding communities have been the keys to the growth of this new Rail Arts District.

RAD Studio Cruise is an annual event that began in 2008 with a core group of studios in Avondale Estates working in concert with the city of Avondale Estates. Today, the event showcases an ever-expanding lineup of venues and artists to delight art collectors and enthusiasts from throughout Metro Atlanta.