Edwin Washington and The Parks Main Street did it again, pulling off another great Art All Night for the second year in a row.

The Parks Main Street (TPMS) participated in its inaugural Art All Night in 2021. This year on September 23, under the leadership of Mr. Washington and with the help of a team of volunteers and serveral sponsors, TPMS once again fully activated two distinct neighborhoods–Riggs Park and Manor Park–for Art All Night 2022. No small feat.

Local talent and youth talent were the name of the game in Riggs Park. Lamond-Riggs resident Robynn Mitchell attended the inaugural TPMS Art All Night in 2021. She returned this year as a vendor with her catering company of seven years Elevated Genius Catering & Events, doing brisk business. In addition, Lattimore Funnel Cakes, Cooks & Chefs, Dogs on the Curb, and Lickity Split all answered the call for food at this year’s event setting up shop in front of Troka Insurance. While waiting to pick up food, people could play games, jump double dutch, and check out perennial favorite fire dancer Jordan Seitz (video).

As for music, at event headquarters at Culture Coffee Too, the night started out with a bang with super talented sister rap duo Live to Love Family. They brought the energy that I knew I needed on a Friday night. Local favorite Cecily also blessed the crowd with her vocals.

I do not know if it was intentional to showcase the talent of a lot of young people, but it was great to see and I was only too happy to support. Sixteen-year-old Duke Ellington High School visual arts student Skylar Ogunshakin sold paintings, journals, and other art under her brand Marie Sky Art with her mom Cece by her side. Check out her work on facebook and instagram.

At the soHBCU table, one could shop for unique gifts and support scholarships for students at historically Black colleges and universities.

Riggs Park resident Alta Koer returned for this year’s event with live painting and artwork.

Princess Riddick, a dance teacher at Rocketship’s Riggs Park campus, set up shop selling her Official Royal Watch jewelry. Unitees, a local Riggs Park business and supplier for this year’s Art All Night t-shirts, was a popular stop for their unique Native Tongue apparel.

A few DJs kept the energy and good vibes flowing throughout the night.

More artists and vendors were on hand that I did not get to check out at Hellbender Brewing Co. or Riggs Wine & Liquor.

In all, Art All Night 2022 by The Parks Main Street delivered, bringing out residents by bringing fire, energy, and talent to Riggs Park.