Residents are encouraged to showcase their artistic pride for the region this weekend.

Capitalizing off the momentum left from last year’s event, organizers are preparing for the second installment of the Downtown Elizabethton Art Walk, scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

After the first presentation of the event held in 2017, Elizabethton Arts & Cultural Alliance Founder Robert Benfield stated the art walks could soon become a regular occurrence throughout the years.

“We’ve received a tremendous amount of support with the local arts movement,” Benfield recently told the Elizabethton Star. “We have been able to use grant funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission to host these types of walks.”

Several agencies are partnering to offer this year’s art walk, including the Alliance, Blue River Studio, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, the East Tennessee Ballet Academy, Bonnie Kate Theater and Milligan College students.

While some of last year’s attractions are set to return — street musicians, art demonstrations and chalk drawings — Benfield added the event is expanding its presence throughout downtown with more sidewalks being donned with different activities.

Karen Hitchcock, with Blue River Studio, added that the event will feature more artists, food trucks, storytellers and a pair of events at the Bonnie Kate. Along with the East Tennessee Ballet gracing the theater stage, an art show will also be provided by Milligan students.

Various activities have taken place over the year after the creation of the Alliance and formation of different programs across the county. Elizabethton High School students have assisted with downtown beautification with murals while the Alliance has worked with the Elizabethton IDEAS Group to help organize a variety of events. Benfield added the group is looking at some other projects scheduled for the coming weeks.

“It really has been a good time working together with everyone for the different projects,” Benfield said. “We’re going to continue seeking grant opportunities to fund events and activities. There have been letters of support coming in from businesses and residents, too. There’s an impact being made and we hope to continue it for the coming years.”

To learn more about the arts locally, visit www.elizalliance.org, the Elizabethton Arts and Cultural Alliance Facebook Page.

Blue River Studio also has a variety of events inside their business in downtown. Follow the business on Facebook or call (423) 213-5060 to learn more.