The undead took over the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, Oct. 4 with the annual Zombie Art Walk. The aptly named art walk takes place on the first Friday of every month, and the usual venues embraced a Halloween theme for October.
Hordes of zombies limped and stumbled down State Street, covered in gore and hungry for brains. The modern zombie culture was presented with costumes from shows like “The Walking Dead” and movies like “Zombieland.” Immersed in their roles, participants donned ripped clothing and tomato-sauce blood, groaning at spectators. The opportunity for prizes, awarded to the best zombie costume, encouraged over-the-top blood and guts. Those who dressed up posed for photos and videos, proudly showing off their impressive prosthetic makeup and elaborate outfits. Costumes ranged from your everyday zombie patron to corpse brides to a zombie Jesus.
The walk was presented by the Gorgeous Washington Street Association and sponsored by Imagicka, the spiritual shop located on Court Street, as well as Merlin’s, a neighboring dance club. This is the fifth year of the apocalyptic tradition.
In addition to Imagicka and Merlin’s, Lost Dog Cafe, Orion Beauty, Balance and other local businesses joined in on the eerie fun. Lost Dog decorated their cafe walls with creepy family portraits, offered a Zombie Apocalypse cocktail and staged a Halloween kick off dance party. Zombies and spectators alike could grab a bite, peruse the art galleries and have a good scare.
“[The Zombie Walk] was really well done, and the costumes looked so realistic that someone scared me,” said Josh Levine, an undeclared sophomore.
Other events included live music, with Merlin’s hosting The Recycled Zombies, a local band that fit perfectly with the theme of the night. Belly dancers even performed at Merlin’s and Orion to “Thriller” and other festive songs.
First Friday art walks give Binghamton University students an opportunity to see the culture of the surrounding area and get a break from the bubble of campus. The October art walk included the gala opening of the Rude and Bold Women Art Show at the Red Tent Studio, a collection of Wearable Art Masks at Parlour Noire, one new venue and other galleries that participate monthly.
The annual Zombie Art Walk allows lovers of the paranormal to connect and express themselves by embodying their favorite undead creatures. The event grows every year, and it’s safe to say Zombie Walk is a vital Halloween tradition in Binghamton.