A binational art event at the Arizona-Sonora border is back this year after a pandemic hiatus. And this year, it will include both in-person and virtual elements.
The Binational Artwalk has been an annual tradition in Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, since 2015.
And after being called off last year because of the pandemic, it’s back in a new hybrid form this weekend. There will be a virtual opening on Friday evening, followed by a family-friendly, in-person event Saturday — that includes an artisan market, artwork and live performances on both sides of the border.
"This year’s going to be, well, part of history because of what’s going on on the border with the pandemic," said Ammi Robles, an artists from Agua Prieta who will be presenting her work at the event.
She is one of six Border Art Corridor fellows who developed projects for the event meant to change the common narrative at the border.
Like many people in Mexican border cities, Robles was unable to cross the border for nearly two years because of travel restrictions implemented in March 2020. But with those lifted this week, the event will truly feel binational, she said.
The virtual opening Friday starts at 6 p.m., and the Saturday events run from 2-8 p.m. in both Douglas and Agua Prieta.
