Your artist, your gallery
FCCW pairs your business with a local artist and helps shape a dedicated gallery area inside your space. If you have a preferred artist, let us know, that's fine.
Committed business guide
Turn your storefront into one of downtown’s ArtWalk galleries.
Your practical checklist for hosting an artist, welcoming visitors, and helping Farmington gather around art, local business, and shelter animals.
The event at a glance
A room full of art, neighbors, and new connections.
ArtWalk Downtown Farmington is designed to feel welcoming and fun, not formal. Each stop brings a new business, artist, story, and reason to spend time downtown, while every auction dollar helps local shelter animals.
Wednesday, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
The evening runs 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. Event organization details will be announced.
A light, generous evening
Guests enjoy art, stories, wine, cheese, charcuterie, and gift-basket auctions supporting the Franklin County Animal Shelter.
Host checklist
What you’ll provide.
01
Create the gallery area
Set aside about 10' x 10' for the artist, using the walls, easels, display cases, built-in shelves, counters, or other suitable furniture already in your space. A dedicated table is not required if another surface works well, and FCCW can provide a table if needed.
02
Prepare artist access
Coordinate arrival and setup with your paired artist, and make sure lighting, outlets, and display surfaces are ready before guests arrive.
03
Set the Ron's Market auction area
Provide a visible table or existing surface for the gift basket, bid sheet, and pen, with enough room for guests to pause without blocking the route. A built-in shelf, counter, or suitable piece of furniture is welcome, and FCCW can provide a table if needed.
04
Set the refreshment area
Provide a separate table or existing surface for wine, cheese, charcuterie, napkins, cups, and any small prizes or event materials. A built-in shelf, counter, or suitable piece of furniture is welcome, and FCCW can provide a table if needed.
05
Welcome visitors
Plan a short, warm introduction to your business before turning the room over to the featured artist and their story.
06
Name your host contact
Have at least one business representative present for setup and the full walk, with a mobile number FCCW can use that evening.
07
Keep the guest path clear
Protect exits, remove trip hazards, secure fragile merchandise, and leave a clear route through the gallery and ticket-marking area.
08
Make access visible
Share any entrance, restroom, seating, or mobility considerations with FCCW before the event so guests can be supported.
09
Bring your ideas
Suggest a display, welcome, tasting, giveaway, or other touch that feels true to your business. FCCW wants to help make it work.
Your permanent business page
Send us your story, links, and photos.
FCCW will use these details to build or update your lasting business profile on the ArtWalk site. Event photos can become a dated gallery naming the event and featured artist.
franklincoworks@gmail.comOwner Q&A
Ten practical questions, answered.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Hosting is free. Your contribution is the prepared space, tables, staff time, hospitality, and coordination described in this guide.
When should setup and teardown happen?
Plan to be fully ready by 4:30 PM. Please wait until FCCW confirms visitors have departed after 7:00 PM before breaking down the gallery.
What if I do not have a full 10' x 10' area?
Tell FCCW what you do have. A smaller wall, window, alcove, or display area may work if the artist and coordinators can plan around it safely.
What are the wine service rules?
Follow Maine law and FCCW's final service plan. Wine must be monitored by an approved adult, never left as unattended self-service, and identification must be checked when required.
How many staff members should stay?
Only one business representative needs to be present, preferably the owner or manager. FCCW will handle everything else unless your team would like to be involved.
What does FCCW provide?
FCCW coordinates the artist pairing, promotion, event instructions, and auction details. The team will confirm delivery and setup arrangements for partner food, wine, basket, and bid materials.
How are artwork sales handled?
Artists handle their own prices, payments, receipts, and pickup arrangements unless you and the artist agree on another plan before the event. Art sales are separate from the shelter auction.
How much foot traffic should I expect?
Attendance and event organization details are still being worked out. FCCW will share updated guidance before the event.
What safety and parking preparation is needed?
Keep exits and walkways clear, secure cords and displays, and preserve nearby loading or short-term access for setup. Direct staff and artists to public downtown parking when possible.
How should we plan for accessibility?
Tell FCCW about steps, narrow doors, restroom limits, seating, or other barriers early. Keep the widest practical route clear and reserve seating where possible for guests who need it.
Ready for walk night
Thank you for opening your doors to Farmington.
Your gallery gives an artist a room, introduces neighbors to your business, and helps local shelter animals through every basket bid.