The Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave., will host the 12th annual Art Walk Friday evening in the Ames Main Street Cultural District, showcasing numerous local artists and their work.

Artists, varying from potters to paper cutters, and representing 32 different businesses and organizations, will set up displays and demonstrations.

Entertainment will also be provided by local musicians, which will vary from classic blues to a professional barbershop quartet.

Ruth Wiedemeier, shop manager at the Octagon Art Shop, said the Art Walk is a great chance for artists to gain exposure and to promote Main Street as an entertainment hub.

Martha Benson, former director and one of the founders of the Octagon Center, has been a part of Art Walk several times. She said she has been making jewelry for more than 20 years, and will be showcasing her latest series – made from antique watch parts, which she inherited from her father.

Linda Emmerson has been a part of the Scherenschnitte, or papercutting, craft since 1980. She said she first saw the trade being done in Switzerland, and noted what a popular tradition it is to other cultures of the world.

Friday will be Emmerson’s second participation in the event.

“It’s just good exposure,” she said.

Coupled with the event is the opening reception for the Community Quilt Exhibit during the same hours, in the Octagon galleries. A wide variety of styles by quilters throughout Central Iowa will be on display.

The Art Walk begins at 5 p.m. and will run until 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

In case of rain, performances will be held in the Octagon Center’s Main Gallery on the third floor.