Downtown Kent placed a spotlight on local artists during the second installment of the Art Walk Friday.

The First Friday Art Walk event allowed local artists a chance to expand their audience to the greater Kent community. Participating stores and galleries in the event remained open until around 8 p.m. The event takes place the first Friday of every month until December 12.

“I have been here for a year now and the art walk is new as of last month,” Kelly Dietrick said. She is a local artist and owner of Troppus Projects.

Dietrick believes the event benefits her gallery and it brings more traffic.

Owner of Handcrafted Jessica Ryan also said Kent has transformed itself in the last few years thanks to events like these.

“The festivals have really benefited the mom and pop shops,” she said.

Handcrafted is a newly opened store on Erie Street. Having opened shortly before the 2018 spring commencement, the First Friday Art Walk has helped get the store’s name out to the community.

Chris Spegal is the downtown reporter. Contact him at [email protected].