Castle in Color

Business owner trio launches Castle Street art walk

Earlier this month, Wilmington’s Castle Street became home to a new monthly celebration of creativity, community, and local business. Creative Castle, a free First Friday art walk spanning the 10-block corridor between Third and 12th streets, invites visitors to explore one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods through art, music, shopping, food, and hands-on creative experiences.

The idea was sparked by three women business owners who saw an opportunity to showcase the unique character already thriving along Castle Street: SARA EDGE, owner of River’s Edge Art Supplies; KATHY LINDENMAYER, owner of Home Plate Provisions; and ERIN JONES, owner of The Roasted Bookery. Together, they envisioned something that complements Wilmington’s established Fourth Friday Gallery Nights while creating a distinctly Castle Street experience.

“We wanted something complementary but different,” Edge says. “We wanted it to be not just gallery-focused, more relaxed, and incorporate businesses as well.”

That broader vision is reflected in the event’s name. “We chose ‘Creative Castle’ to reflect that our street has a broad creative identity, which includes visual arts, but also movement, music, craft, culinary arts, and other disciplines,” Lindenmayer says.

Visitors can expect much more than traditional gallery exhibitions. Participating businesses will host local artists, musicians, crafters, makers and vendors, while restaurants and shops offer special experiences and promotions. From live painting and sketching to poetry, literature, vintage vendors and creative pop-ups, the event embraces the many ways creativity shows up in everyday life.

“It can be intimidating for some people who don’t know much about art or are not into the arts to go to galleries,” Edge says. “This is a way to get more people interested in art and creativity and expand people’s minds or horizons.”

The event is also designed to support emerging artists. While Fourth Friday often features established gallery artists, Creative Castle aims to create opportunities for those just beginning to exhibit their work.

“We have the opportunity because Castle Street is more diverse and eclectic to do something different and bring some new folks in,” Lindenmayer said. “It’s a springboard for artists before they are trying to submit to one of the galleries.”

That commitment reflects the collaborative spirit of the women behind the effort. All three businesses are woman-owned, and both Edge and Lindenmayer speak passionately about mentorship, community-building, and creating opportunities for others.

“Something that’s nice about our neighborhood is that it’s very diverse in every way,” Lindenmayer said. “I feel like it’s leveling the playing field a little bit for businesses like ours to be able to invite folks in and provide opportunities.”

For Edge, the goal is simple: to help people discover Castle Street.

“I hope they leave feeling inspired and excited,” she said, “and want to explore Castle Street more, even not on a First Friday.”