When it comes to the local art scene, most think of Coral Gables, Miami Beach or the Design District.

``Nobody ever thinks of Homestead as having art and culture,'' said artist and resident Steve Beck who owns the Gallery Space. ``They think of us out here as a sleepy town.''

That, he hopes, is about to change.

Beck, along with several other gallery owners and artists, hosted Homestead's first Gallery Walk on Sept. 26 on Krome Avenue, the city's historic Main Street.

The free three-hour event kicked off at 6 p.m. and drew more than 150 people.

It was organized by the nonprofit Homestead Main Street to help energize the downtown and encourage people to see the area's economic development and historic preservation.

And art lovers did come.

They celebrated Homestead's art scene, checking out five displays that ranged from student artwork at Spellbound Book Store to an exhibit of toys dating to the 1930s at the Historic Town Hall Museum.

There was also lots of modern art showcased at three different galleries.

The trio of galleries that participated were Art in Action Gallery, Gallery Space and The Children's Gallery and Art Center, which hosted its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Keith Tyler, 65, and his wife, Melody, 63, of Homestead were among the many couples who walked around and enjoyed the art scene.

``This is something that we desperately needed out here,'' Melody Tyler said. ``We've got the Homestead Speedway and two national parks out here -- and now that we have art. Homestead is really Miami's best kept secret.''

Homestead artist Mimi Dickson, who also serves as Main Street board secretary, was thrilled with the turnout -- and the fact that her artwork was attracting positive reviews.

``I'm so excited,'' she said. ``I want people from all over to know that we have something to offer out here.''

Dickson was showcasing two of her paintings called Jerusalem and Heroes Nest at The Children's Gallery and Art Center.

While many at the event were locals, several came from Kendall, Coral Gables and even as far as Fort Lauderdale.

Take Kendall's Marta Flor.

``I've been to the Coral Gables art gallery walk before, but this is wonderful,'' said the Airbase Elementary Art teacher. ``I would definitely come back.''

That response is exactly what event founder and Main Street director Yvonne Knowles was hoping to hear.

``I'm thrilled that so many people came out,'' said Knowles, who came up with the idea to host the event three weeks ago.

``I'm always looking for ways to revitalize and invigorate our downtown and I started seeing a trend of art galleries popping up in the last year,'' she said.

So Knowles decided to try starting what she hopes will become the monthly Gallery Walk that will encourage people to stroll around downtown Homestead.

``It was only our first event, so I'm hoping we'll be able to have these every last Saturday of the month until the end of the winter,'' she said.

For more information, check out www.homesteadmainstreet.org or call 305-323-6564.

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