Not even rain could keep Pullman community members away as they gathered on the streets of downtown to celebrate the work of local artists.

Chelsea Whitney, committee chair with the Pullman Arts Commission, said the 7th Annual Pullman ArtWalk was a huge success, with a great turnout and several new artists.

“The whole junior roller derby team exhibited art, they were hosted at Poppy (Salon & Spa) as a team,” she said. Whitney said it was neat to see their work, since they are all young artists.

The artwalk had several events geared toward the youth of the Palouse, including artist workshops, demonstrations and concerts, Whitney said. There was also a mural created from tape, and visitors could each add a unique visual to the wall.

Pullman unveiled its first utility box wrap on Thursday, featuring two photographs by Ken Carper. Whitney said the Pullman Arts Commission is planning to add more art to other utility boxes in Pullman in the future, and is accepting feedback and ideas for future boxes on its Facebook Page.

The artwalk presents an opportunity for an important interaction between the public and the artists, said Danica Wixom, an artwalk participating artist and member of the Pullman Arts Commission.

“I think (the artwalk) is important because it exposes the community at large to artists and local entrepreneurship,” she said. “It’s like we’re bringing an art museum to the community.”

As an artist, she sees the artwalk as a chance to get her work out to the public, and she has the opportunity to explain her work and artistic process to them while they view the art itself.

Reporting by Jennifer Ladwig