Downtown Andover businesses are displaying paintings, ceramics, sculpture and other local artwork through Saturday, Oct. 31, as part of the fourth annual ARTful Andover Art Walk.

The free, self-guided event is expected to feature 34 artists at 25 locations, according to The Andover Townsman. Maps are available at Town Hall, Memorial Hall Library and participating stores.

Sponsored by the Andover Planning Department, Public Arts Commission and Andover Arts and Culture Alliance, the walk began Oct. 3 with activities at the Andover Farmers Market next to The Park on Bartlet Street.

The event has expanded from 10 artists and 10 businesses in its first year. Ann Ormond, the town’s director of business, arts and cultural development, told the Townsman that a 2022 arts and place-making study helped inspire the project after residents expressed a desire for a community that values art.

This year, painter Garima Parakh is displaying work at The Savings Bank, while landscape and seascape painter Dave Drinon’s paintings are featured at J.McLaughlin on Main Street. Artist Joan Ellis is showing her nature illustrations at Andover Bookstore.

J.McLaughlin has participated for three years and displayed Parakh’s work during last year’s walk.

“The Art Walk brings culture and a festive feeling to the downtown area, and it shows the community that we’re local, loyal and giving back,” store manager Lori Michaud told the Townsman.

Parakh and fellow painter Elena Behrakis maintain workspaces at fiVO Studios, a converted mill along the Shawsheen River at 12 Dundee Park Drive. Behrakis is featuring a painting titled “The Troubles 2” in this year’s walk.

Two upcoming events offer opportunities to meet artists:

  • Thursday, Oct. 15: A “Meet the Artists” reception at the Lanam Club on North Main Street runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Andover Garden Club members will create floral arrangements to complement selected artworks.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: The fiVO Studios Open Studios & Art Show runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at 12 Dundee Park Drive. The free event features more than 20 artists and four visiting artists, a community art project and light refreshments.

Visitors can explore the Art Walk through Oct. 31 during participating businesses’ hours. Some displayed works are available to purchase.