COVID-19 has thwarted Mobile’s regular monthly art walk, but downtown institutions have banded together to kick off a virtual version on Friday, April 17.

According to information provided by organizers, the event will feature “live stream performances, works from featured artists, take out and special online sales from downtown restaurants and shops, and more.” In addition to what’s presented Friday, content from regular art walk venues, artists and musicians will be shared throughout the month.

Organizers include the Mobile Arts Council and the city’s Office of Special Events. The virtual format allows the inclusion of some institutions that aren’t based downtown, such as the Central ArtSanctuary and the Mobile Museum of Art.

A list of participating venues and happenings can be found at mobilearts.org/virtual-artwalk/. Any downtown venue interested in participating can email a description of its planned content and a web URL to director@mobilearts.org. Participants who use the hashtags #LoDaArtWalk and #VirtualLoDa on social media posts “will become eligible for art and ticket giveaways at the end of the weekend.”

Participating entities and their offerings, as of Friday morning:

Alabama Contemporary Art Center: View design entries and winning selections from “Postcards from Quarantine.”

BackFlash Antiques: Tune in at 6 p.m. to “Shop Vintage and Shelter” with DJ Wildlife bringing the beats, all LIVE and in color!

Bienville Souvenirs & Gifts: Featuring a virtual tour of the store, open for email and phone orders for curbside delivery on Saturdays.

Central ArtSanctuary: Featuring a virtual group exhibition, titled and themed “Meditations on Light.”

Coastal Makers: Shop custom artwork and workshops for all ages.

Container Yard: Tune in from 8 to 9 p.m. for Episode 3 of the Uncle Henry Internet Show, with special guest Arielle of 107.3 The Beat.

Downtown Mobile Alliance: Download the Main Street 25th Anniversary Coloring Book from the Downtown Alliance website. Read the blurb of history to learn a bit about the revitalization effort over the last 25 years.

History Museum of Mobile: Enjoy the “History at Home” series, featuring guided tours of exhibits, as well as hands on arts and craft projects.

Innova Arts: Shop local artists online for curbside pickup or delivery!

LoDa ArtWalk LIVE: Featuring live stream performances by the James Boys from 6-7 p.m. and Rodger Fleshman from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on the LoDa ArtWalk page, courtesy of the City of Mobile Special Events Department.

Mobile Arts Council: See MAC’s Virtual Gallery, presenting “Five,” MAC’s biennial college art competition featuring artwork by students from Bishop State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College, Spring Hill College, the University of Mobile, and the University of South Alabama.

Mobile Ballet: Follow Mobile Ballet’s Facebook & Instagram pages for recent updates and special content from past performances. They are also offering virtual classes, available to new and previous students and free to register!

Mobile Carnival Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival through a virtual tour of the museum, photos from the gallery, and more!

Mobile Museum of Art: Bring art to your home, participate in the Stay Home Mobile project, or check out the latest news and resources from MMofA.

Mobile Public Library: Browse an incredible selection of free virtual STEAM crafts, literary arts, and storytime programming. From craft classes to virtual escape rooms, there is something to entertain both young and old.

Mobile Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy recordings from previous Mobile Symphony Orchestra concerts.

Sophiella Gallery: See a variety of fine art by established and emerging artists, including reduced priced paintings and small works. A portion of all sales proceeds will be donated to local charities. Visit their Facebook page at 6 p.m. for a live virtual tour of the gallery and art walk specials.

The Admiral Hotel: Experience the Quarantine Diaries, a photography show by A.P. DeVaney created while self-isolating during the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. All photographs were taken in downtown Mobile, Alabama.

Urban Emporium: Take a virtual “Cribs” tour of the store and tune in for live content on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@urbanemporium) accounts throughout the evening! Visit their pages for special sales and stop by for curbside pickup from 4:30-8 p.m. on art walk night.