She's been here two years now. What she found surprised her — not just the charm of the place, but the quality of its attention. On any given day at the gallery, a conversation might turn to philosophy, to the technical intricacies of painting, to photography, to someone's deepest hopes. I've never seen so many people eager to connect and to share, she says. The people here are just discovering each other and making more art. It's really an amazing thing.

The Art Walk gives local painters, sculptors, jewelers, writers,  musicians, performers and makers a vital place in the community — a chance to show their work not only in a gallery removed from daily life, but inside the shops and spaces where Sierra Madre already gathers. For the artists, visibility. For the businesses, vitality. For the town, an evening that reminds everyone why they chose to live here.

Madeline Romo is the owner of Savor the Flavor, located at 34 North Baldwin Avenue in Sierra Madre.