The Auburn arts community puts itself on display Friday and Saturday with its inaugural Downtown Art Walk.

The walk and art display is open to the public from 4-9 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday along Main Street. Opening remarks, with music by Kelly Eisenhour to follow, kicks off festivities at 4 p.m. Friday in the newly remodeled City Hall Plaza, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Valley Creative Arts, The Auburn Downtown Association, the City of Auburn and many artists and community members have organized the event and plan to make it a biannual tradition.

"We're hoping to draw attention to the growing downtown area," said Sonia Kessler, owner of Zola's Cafe at 402 E. Main St., and one of the event's organizers. "We want to bring people to downtown Auburn. "We knew that other cities were doing it, and we wondered why Auburn couldn't do something as well. We chatted with other people who had the same vision and goal, and we went from there."

The two-day free event features local artists displaying their artwork and providing demonstrations in businesses throughout the downtown core. Both days include art activities for all ages, music and performances and wine tasting with local wineries.

A walking map will be distributed so attendees can navigate the many happenings throughout the event.

"We are thrilled that the community and artists have come together to plan this event in celebration of the arts," said Maija McKnight, arts coordinator for the City of Auburn.

"We want to see as many people as we can get. We want people shopping in downtown Auburn," Kessler said.

For more information, a list participating businesses and participating artists, visit www.auburnartwalk.com.

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