Ames is a city that prides itself heavily on its involvement in the world of art. Sculptures and murals can be found all over the town as evidence, and this weekend people will get the chance to check out the best in local talent.

The Ames Main Street District Art Walk will be a chance for the Ames community to learn about the history surrounding Main Street and the art that has contributed to it over the years.

Amy White, shop manager of the Octagon Center for the Arts and first-year director of the Art Walk, encourages everyone to participate in the annual celebration and calls the event “a great opportunity to see what’s in Ames.”

The purpose of the celebration is for consumers to be able to visit businesses and experience local artistic talent without feeling committed or pressured to buy anything. White says that people can walk through the Main Street district while eating, exploring businesses and viewing art displays.

The celebration is in its ninth year, and White says it has been more successful each year. She believes that this year should be no exception and promises twice as many participating businesses, as well as creative individuals ranging from painters to photographers, sculptors to woodworkers, and jewelers to local musicians and dancers.

Anna Mae Reed, a local oil painter from Boone and one of four artists to be hosted by Everts Flowers & Gifts, 412 Burnett Ave., will be displaying her floral-design oil paintings. Reed loves the opportunity to have people looking at her creations.

“People who look at my paintings remind me of my gratitude for the gift of art that I’ve been given,” Reed says.

Durlam and Durlam, a clothing store located at 226 Main St. began participating in this event in 2001, and owner Dave Durlam says he was amazed at the amount of people who showed up and added that last year’s event was a very convivial night and was almost like a reunion.

“The Art Walk is a chance to showcase exceptional local talent.,” Durlam says. “When people see some of the displayed work, they are amazed by it.”

Musical talents featured at Tom Evans Park will include Good Companies, Co-Motion Dances, Suzuki musicians, the Scottish Country Dancers, the Onion Creek Cloggers Band, and Prairie Thistles.