Now that weather has transitioned from sweltering to tolerable, local artists and other downtown stakeholders are inviting folks out for a tour.

Art Walk will be held Friday night, from 6 to 8 p.m. The every-other-month affair is an invitation to stroll through downtown, new exhibits and mini-receptions at a growing number of art galleries. Many downtown businesses also stay open for the event, offering late in the day shopping opportunities.

“A lot of the shops are open, and all the art galleries are staying open,” said Thad Aley, Arts of the Pamlico events and exhibits coordinator.

Art Tyndall Studio, Art on Market, River Walk Gallery and Arts Center, Secret Garden, Sam’s Rustic Shop and Arts of the Pamlico are participating galleries. Arts of the Pamlico will have three exhibits on display: “The View through a Window: What’s on the Other Side,” “50 Years of Pride: LGBT Art Exhibit” and A. Dale Harsh watercolors. Each will be on display until Aug. 3, when AOP will usher in its annual juried photography show.

New artist Denise Parry will be in the spotlight at River Walk Gallery and Arts Center, according to River Walk co-op member Colleen Knight.

“She’s got these great paintings that she does of the ocean where the ocean is made out of trash bags,” Knight said. “They’re very cool. She likes to use found objects and recycled things in her artwork.”

Bright acrylics merge with shells, beads, bags and more in Parry’s vibrant pieces.

Knight said River Walk will be offering discounts and deals, in an effort to sell members’ art and draw more people to Art Walk, an increasingly popular event.

“The last few we have had a pretty nice turnout,” Knight said.