Downtown Ames’ first ever Art Walk will take place this Friday from 5-9 pm. All Ames residents are invited to stroll through the downtown area and discover unique art and tasty treats inside the shops along the way.

Walk organizer Alissa Hansen said she thought an Art Walk would provide downtown merchants with an opportunity to showcase some of the art in their establishments. She said she also hopes the walk will attract new people to the downtown area.

In the future, Hansen said, she would like to hold these walks four times each year. “Every time we do it, we hope it will get better,” she said.

Nine shops will take part in Friday’s Art Walk. Some of the shops have planned special events for the evening while others will keep their doors open late to display their collections for the walkers.

The Octagon Center for the Arts will keep both the Octagon Shop and the Octagon Gallery open. The work of sculptor Harry Klessen will be on exhibit in the Gallery. Klessen has been creating sculptures for over 28 years and is known for the variety of mediums and sizes in his sculptures. Walkers who stop in the Octagon will also be treated to the music of strolling violinists.

Next to the Octagon Center for the Arts, Madeline’s will feature A Midsummer Night’s Delight — a tantalizing dessert buffet. For a set price, participants can indulge themselves and sample such culinary delights as key lime pie, chocolate-dipped fruit and cheesecake.

Lori Schill, owner of Madeline’s, said she is excited about the Art Walk. “I hope people will come down and enjoy the evening,” she said.

At the top of Main Street, Wall to Wall Gallery will exhibit limited edition framed art by artists Jon Crane, Thomas Kinkade and Catherine Grunewald. Custom-framing designers will be on hand to answer any questions walkers might have about framing their own art.

The Frame Shop will display works by two of its staff members. Michael McCann will exhibit his windy day watercolor paintings. Owner Keith VanDePol will display his oil paintings, which have a Southwestern influence.

At Gallery 319, Art Walk participants will have the opportunity to watch artist Monika Pate create a watercolor painting over the course of the evening. Some of Pate’s finished work also will be on display.

The First Edition will be open to display photography, paintings and other forms of art from local artists. Featured artists will include Helen Gunderson, Qimin Liu, Mary Young and Don Wishart.

Big Table Books will stay open late as well. Publicist Cheryl McGough said she enjoys the special events that take place throughout the year in downtown Ames. “It’s not uncommon for people to find us [during special events],” she said. She said it’s important for Big Table Books to be involved in the downtown effort. “Events like this draw new people to the downtown area.”

Weary walkers may want to stop in for a cool drink and revitalizing summer salad at Lucullan’s before they finish up their walk with a stop at From Gifted Hands, where they can admire wind-activated kinetic sculptures, fountains and an array of wearable art.