In March, Palmer Art Walk goes to the dogs

PALMER — As part of this month's theme, the Palmer Art Walk is turning downtown Palmer into its own version of the Iditarod. Each stop will serve as corresponding checkpoints on this year's trail.

There will be prizes available at some checkpoints, but only the true Iditarod fan will know at which location to ask about them. Instead of a mushing team, organizers ask you bring a few friends. Bonus entries into this month's big raffle prize, sponsored by The Garden Gate, will be awarded for every team member you bring with you.

The night will end with a lantern lift-off in honor of the loved ones lost in the community last year. Lanterns can be purchased for $10 at B Bella’s, Madd Matters, NonEssentials and the Palmer Museum. All proceeds benefit the Palmer Merchants Emergency Fund.

Organizers say a Palmer Art Walk mobile app that will have a map of the route is available in GooglePlay and should be available today in the Apple App Store.

The walk runs from 2 to 6 p.m., March 8. Here’s who’s participating:

6 The Garden Gate

The Garden Gate’s annual dog photo contest is back. This year’s theme: “Who Looks the Most Like Their Human.” The shop will also feature the artwork of Sara Coleman and her dog/human portraits. Garden Gate's Brooke Heppinstall will also have a few dog cartoons on display.

1 Healing Path Therapeutic Massage

This location's artist this month will be Beth Stokes selling a variety of handmade earrings and porcelain ornaments from 2 to 6 pm. Healing Path will also have two therapists to provide chair and foot massages for $1 per minute at the Downtown Palmer Plaza from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. They will also have drawings for two 20-minute chair massages. You need to stop by and fill out an entry slip. Drawings will be at 4 and 6 p.m.

1 Shane Lamb Gallery

This gallery will be hosting its featured artist for March, Switzerland native Ruth Hirsiger of Musk Ox Creations. Ruth knits wearable creations out of qiviut (kiv-ee-yut), the fiber of the Arctic musk ox. Shane Lamb's March Art Walk canine representative will be K.I.A. Camo. Bring your camera and have your photo taken with KIA Camo, the “Lucky Afghanistan Mutt.” Meet Ruth and K.I.A. from 2 to 6 p.m.

1 Alaska Artisans & Crafters

This collective of artisans and crafters will have several items on display and available for purchase inside the Turkey Red banquet room.

2 Side Kicks Gift Store

Side Kicks Gifts is hosting local artist Shelly Ivey with Ivey Designs Wall Art from 2 to 4 p.m. Shelly is a professional hair stylist at B Bella's and a mother of two. Her wall art creations are one-of-a-kind. Receive a 10 percent discount on her pieces during the Art Walk from 2 to 6 p.m.

4 Fireside Books

Commemorating the 25 years since the disastrous Exxon Valdez oil spill, Mae Mae Evans and Marybeth Holleman will be reading from their books, both of which deal with the event. Mae Mae Evans was living in Homer when the Exxon Valdez disaster happened. She has since moved to Anchorage, where she teaches at Alaska Pacific University. Marybeth Holleman is the author of several books, including "Among Wolves" and "The Heart of the Sound."

5 NonEssentials

This store has a variety of kitchen items including an oil-and-vinegar bar and a tea trove. This month, NonEssentials is going green with a sampling session and a revealing of its new line of ecologically sound products.

3 Valley Quilters Guild

This group will be at the Palmer Depot for its monthly sewing day and will have several quilts on display, as well as information available about the organization and how you can participate. On display, with tickets available for purchase, will be the annual raffle quilt. This is a premium, custom-made, custom-quilted, queen-sized quilt made by guild members. It is different every year.

1 Radio Free Palmer 89.5 FM KVRF

The local radio station will be opening its doors to the public this Art Walk and offering folks a chance to learn the art of origami paper folding with Palmer Saroma Kai. The group is folding 1,000 paper cranes for peace to be brought to Hiroshima this summer. Palmer Saroma Kai supports Palmer's Sister City relationship with Saroma, Japan. Green tea will be provided.

9 Madd Matters

Information for this stop was not available as of press time.

7 Cover Ups

Information for this stop was not available as of press time.

8 Palmer Museum of History and Art

The museum will feature its newest exhibit “The Art of Hi Fidelity,” a visual history describing the development and evolution of LP cover art. Light refreshments will be served. The museum will also offer visitors the chance to decorate their own free Mardi Gras mask. All supplies will be provided.

Arkose Brewery

Join Arkose for its popular Beer Meets Canvas event from 2 to 4 p.m. For $30, you get one pint and all the art supplies you will need to create your own masterpiece. The event is open only to those 21 years or older and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Arkose Brewery at 746-2337.