Downtown Lewiston hosted its ninth annual Artwalk, an event coordinated by Beautiful Downtown Lewiston and several other local organizations on Friday and Saturday. The event coordinators sought to integrate local art and culture from the growing small business community.

“It’s a fun way to see downtown Lewiston,” Cheri Clark, a visitor to the Artwalk, said.

Michael Haines, co-owner of The Diamond Shop and a sponsor of the event, said the art walk helps improve the community.

Over the course of two days, local artists displayed their artwork in several businesses downtown; on Friday evening, over 3,000 participants strolled around downtown Lewiston enjoying music, artwork and drinks from local breweries and wineries, Haines said. The artwork included hand embroidery and ceramics.

“A lot of people have been in and looked at my photography,” local artist Pam Donaldson said. “I’ve sold some photography, kind of got my name out there a little bit.”

On Saturday, visitors to the Artwalk could participate in a featured artist demonstration and workshop at the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts & History. Attendees could also explore featured artist John Patterson’s artwork.

“Every business that participated had something unique […] a different type of art,” Haines said.

Kimberly Linder, owner of DayJah Vu Yoga Studio, praised the Artwalk’s community-building purpose.

“People really want and need opportunities to get out and be with each other, appreciate the art and to notice all of the new businesses,” Linder said.

Downtown Lewiston is also a growing and vibrant community whose small business owners and artists are happy to work together to create engaging events that integrate art, culture and business, Haines said.

“I think this whole thing is a great help to downtown Lewiston and to any of the artists,” Donaldson said.