Art Walk in Fort Myers canceled for Friday; galleries, Bootleggers Alley to remain open

The monthly Art Walk in Fort Myers has been canceled for Friday night.

Art Walk ― which is the first Friday of each month ― announced the news Thursday on Facebook.

The reason is because of construction that has closed the Caloosahatchee Bridge, or U.S. 41. With Art Walk along nearby First Street on a late Friday afternoon with heavy commuter traffic, the decision was made, said Lisa Sbuttoni, president and CEO of the Fort Myers River District Alliance.

“It was a very difficult decision to make," she said Thursday. "Nobody wants to cancel an event. We certainly don’t but we're also concerned about public safety.”

The next Art Walk is July 5, and Sbuttoni said she doesn't expect heavy commuter traffic on the day after July Fourth, when many people will be not working that Friday.

New art exhibits are still scheduled to open at downtown Fort Myers galleries, including two shows at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: The group show "Pollution Or Solution" and the solo show "Doomscroll" with painter Nick Masiello. 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 7.

Art Walk features new art exhibits at downtown Fort Myers galleries, receptions and art vendors outside on First Street.

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More at facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Art Walk in Fort Myers canceled Friday; art galleries to remain open