For 10 years the Ballard Chamber of Commerce has presented the monthly Ballard Art Walk which has attracted thousands of visitors annually for a walking tour that brings together area artists, studios, galleries, restaurants, merchants and visitors of all ages in a celebration of visual art.

The tour spans the entire Ballard Avenue Landmarks District including Market Street - more than 10 city blocks of historic Ballard - and celebrates the neighborhood's vibrant professional community of artists. This event takes place every second Saturday between 6 p.m. and 9 pm. Over 90 local artists display artwork at almost 60 locations, including art galleries, working studios and "gallery-for-a-day" venues inside businesses and restaurants.

"The line-up tends to change month to month. No two trips are ever the same. In the spring and summer, visitors enjoy the fabulous weather and Ballard ambiance, and they often plan an entire evening that combines the Art Walk with a foray for drinks, dining or the theater," said Beth Williamson Miller, executive director of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce.

The event is a self-guided tour, with free maps and detailed programs available at participating businesses. The evening of free events includes wine and cheese at selected galleries. On selected months the Chamber schedules live music at various locations that has visitors dancing from gallery to gallery.

"We keep it simple - visitors proceed at their own pace, wander into galleries that capture their fancy and stroll around a delightful area. The Walk has become a time when singles can meet, business people can unwind and couples can enjoy the beauty of Ballard. All of these are accomplished while taking in the culture that the arts offer," Miller said.

Local artist Scott Erickson, who is displaying eight large-scale paintings at New York Fashion Academy, said "I love the mix of nightclubs and restaurants here because there are already people walking around, out and about. The artists get a chance to show their work to the club-goers before they go to the shows. I had been to the Walk many times and I love Ballard, so to have a show there is an honor."

Seattle outdoor photographer Thomas Krueger, currently displaying his work at Secret Garden Bookstore, is an enthusiast of the Walk. The bookstore promotes a blend of literary and visual art at the event.

"I am very pleased the staff presented me as their featured artist of the month. I was asked to pick five favorite books, which were displayed along with my artist statement. I was pleased with the turnout of people who came in to see my work, and I believe the Ballard Art Walk will gain more popularity. My plan is to continue creating new works to show all over Seattle, as well as international venues," Krueger said.

Making her Ballard debut this spring, local painter Akiko Kino has shown her work in Japan and Liechtenstein. She uses a knife instead of a paintbrush to emphasize movement and flow. Kino's work is displayed at The Forum Center.

"I find myself happy when the energy I put into my art comes through in the spiritual energy of the finished product," Kino wrote in her artist statement.

Guests enjoy the wide array of artistic styles that are represented by Ballard galleries, including Western traditional, cutting-edge contemporary, Pacific Northwest landscapes, Native American subjects and photography. Recurring events include appearances by renowned local culinary artists Kathy Casey and Tom Douglas, displays from Ballard High School art students and a gingerbread house decorating contest with a contemporary twist.

"The Walk is a great place to watch people. While famed artists are often present at individual gallery receptions, or even demonstrating their talents, the visitors themselves offer a wide slice of life, a mix of locals and tourists of all kinds. I have interesting conversations throughout the evening," said Erickson.

The next Ballard Art Walk is scheduled April 14. For more information, contact the Ballard Chamber of Commerce at 784-9705.

Sarah Wyatt is a Seattle freelance writer and may be contacted via bnteditor@robinsonnews.com