By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The city of Montevallo hosted its seventh Art Walk Aug. 24, where community members gathered on the sidewalks of Main Street to visit booths showcasing local artists and businesses.

University of Montevallo alumnus Laurl Self, a fiber artist, showed hand-died scarves, painted key chains and tie-dyed hair ties. This was her second year participating in Art Walk, and she said she enjoys the atmosphere.

“It’s such a sweet town. You want to come down here and be in the atmosphere,” Self said. “It’s such a mix of ages and races.”

Unlike Self, Susan Smith participated in Art Walk for the first time this year and showed birdhouses and other items from Cedar Creek Nursery, where she works.

“We’re really here to advertise our new shop, which opens Sept. 2,” Smith said.

Other artists, like Rachel Herring, traveled to participate in Art Walk. Herring owns her own business in Birmingham, and she chose to participate in Art Walk because she hadn’t participated in it before.

“I like being outside and meeting people,” Herring said. “I like the small-town atmosphere and the fact that it’s in the afternoon.”

Like Herring, Patrick McCoy came to Art Walk for the first time this year, although as an onlooker. He had been driving around with his family when he happened upon the event, and he said he thought it looked like a good place to stop.

“I didn’t even know it was here,” McCoy said. “It’s real neat and interesting to see all of the hand-made things. It’s also a great way to support the local community and spend time as a family.”

Art Walk is held three times every year. About 50 artists participate on average and show pieces ranging from birdhouses and up-cycled, repurposed art to jewelry, hand-made scarves, photography, woodwork, stained glass and more. For more information or to learn about upcoming events, visit Montevalloartwalk.com.