For the Reporter

Historic downtown comes alive with the sounds of local music, the sights of Northwest artwork and the taste of fine wine on Friday, May 13.

Auburn’s Art Walk and Wine Tasting event is from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. at downtown businesses.

The event is free but wine tasting tickets are $12 presale and $15 at the event and include six one-ounce tastes and a custom wine glass. Presale tickets are available online auburnartwalk.com or at Corestar Pilates, 205 E. Main St., and Zola’s Cafe, 402 E. Main St., through May 12.

Northwest artists will display and sell their original handmade paintings, mosaics and wearable artwork in downtown businesses.

Jon Thompson, a participant of the Art Spirit program and an inmate at the Washington Correctional Center (WCC) in Shelton, and other artists will be on display. Thompson’s artwork, “Heart of Art,” is featured on this year’s event poster.

Auburn resident Rebecca Bell coordinated the special art program.

This is not the first display of the Art Spirit program.

“Some of the offenders actually approached prison staff to see if they could submit their art for public viewing,” said WCC Chaplain Greg Garringer, “being able to share their art with the community has helped them on the path to reintegration.”

Crystal Chromatica, a two-man electronic group of brothers David and Steven Miranda, will perform. Their music uses electronic drum set, multiple keyboards and vocals. Both brothers have extensive backgrounds in classical music – David with flute and Steven in piano.. Their first EP, Aftermath, was released in January on most digital distributors, and a second EP is expected later this year. The group will perform at Corestar Pilates.

QuarterPast8 is composed of Cat, Mike, Tony, and Jeff, who play primarily classic rock and some blues, classic country, jazz and contemporary popular songs. The local band will play at Zola’s Cafe.

A walking map, wine tasting tickets, custom wine glass and ID check will be available on the day of the event at the information booths at The Arcade, 222 E. Main St., and parking lot at the corner of East D and Main streets.

For more information or for wine tasting tickets, visit www.auburnartwalk.com.