Picture yourself on a leisurely evening in May, strolling lazily around downtown Bonners Ferry, stopping by a business here, or perhaps a restaurant there, enjoying original creations of art prepared for this special day, and on display in each business.

Perhaps you might enjoy an appetizer at this restaurant as you view the art display there, or maybe you'll take a break for a sandwich over there.

Along the way, you'll meet the artists who have created all of the exhibits, and have the opportunity to visit with them and get their thoughts on their work.

Take all the time you want, wander from business to business downtown, see people you know who are also making the loop at the various exhibits, stop for a moment to chat with friends.

This is how an Art Walk works, and the first Art Walk in Boundary County is being organized right now by students in the Advanced Art Class taught by Josh Knaggs at Bonners Ferry High School.   This Art Walk event is set for Thursday, May 14.

Twelve students in Mr. Knaggs Advanced Art Class, along with six additional independent study students, will be showing their work at participating downtown businesses.  The list of businesses that are participating so far includes the Kootenai River Inn, Soulshine, Kootenai River Brewing Company, Goat Mountain Pizza, The Rusty Moose, Under the Sun, The Boundary County Library, Picturesque, Mugsy's, and Mi Pueblo.  Others may be added.

The public is invited to attend, to ramble around downtown, and visit with the artists and with friends.

"The purpose of this is to give the students an experience in showing their art, interacting with the public, and sharing their thoughts and ideas with others," said Mr. Knaggs.  "So far, the students have been very excited," he continued.  "Many of them have started to pump out ideas for themes behind their displays, designs for clothes to wear, designs for their displays."

Part of the work involved in organizing this event is to work with the owners or managers of the businesses to arrange the details of the exhibits, what sort of art will be on display in each business, how the flow of the viewing public will work, and more.  The students themselves are responsible for working with the businesses to iron all of this out.  That is part of their learning experience for an event like this.

What sorts of art and exhibits will a person find at the Art Walk?  We asked that of Mr. Knaggs:  "The art this year is exceptional.  My students have engrossed themselves in the studio and turned out a body of work that continues to astound me daily.  We have a wide variety of work being shown, including functional and decorative ceramics, mixed media paintings, photo realistic paintings, installations.  There truly is something for everyone to appreciate!"

The Art Walk is this Thursday, May 14.  All of the art works will be available for viewing beginning in the morning and throughout the day on Thursday.  The student artists will be downtown from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. to answer any questions and to personally show their work.  Each business will have maps and flyers for people to take and use as guides as they walk through the Art Walk, so they can see all of the creations.