An art walk downtown Friday paired a variety of local performances and visual artists with downtown businesses, providing a convenient way for the public to check out Ames’s artistic side.

The 12th annual Art Walk was produced by the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue.

Christine Hobbs, senior graphic designer of engineering communications and marketing, displayed her collection of stained glass pieces and silk scarves. Hobbs said the show was her creative outlet.

“It’s a nice way to get away from the desk,” Hobbs said with a smile.

ISU fine arts alumna Abigail Weise works primarily with oil paint and charcoal. Weise said she exhibits her art at Caf‚ Diem, 229 Main Street, where she was stationed for the Art Walk.

Several other ISU faculty, alumni and students also participated.

Willa Thornburg and Brian Tiedeman, both seniors in art and design, showcased their work. Thornburg crafts jewelry and Tiedeman works with wood.

They use their experiences at the Art Walk to gain feedback and learn from it.

“It’s been really good,” Thornburg said. “Even though my work isn’t for sale, people say, ‘Oh, I really like that,’ and I know what to keep working on.”

Tiedeman, who has worked for stores in previous Art Walks, displayed his art for the first time.

“This is a really good turnout. It’s nice to have people ask questions about my work,” he said.

Four bands provided entertainment at Tom Evans Plaza throughout the event – Porch Stompers, Voiceover, the Onion Creek Band and Redzband. An array of different songs was played, from a barbershop quartet’s “God Bless America” to a blues rock cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.”

Though the weather cleared considerably, the Onion Creek Band and Redzband played on the third floor of the Octagon Center because of the uncertain conditions and the electronics used in their performances.