The Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana will celebrate the Lake Area’s vibrant art community during its annual downtown Spring Art Walk from 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 26, The bazaar atmosphere will be a showcase of local artistic talent including visual, theatrical, literary and musical talents.

Downtown Lake Charles will be blocked off during the evening allowing 17 local businesses to be transformed into “pop-up galleries,” Lauren Morris, Arts Council project coordinator, said. Guests will be able to tour historic downtown properties and businesses while enjoying refreshments and the best in Southwest Louisiana arts.

“Businesses love to be a part of this event. They’re excited to host artists and bring attention to our talented art scene,” Ashli Walrep, executive director, said.

The market will feature over 45 vendors offering a variety of locally-crafted works including paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and more. This year’s walk will also include two stages, one at Broad Street and one at Pujo Street, each featuring local musical talent.

The Art Wars competition will make its “highly anticipated return” to the walk this year, Waldrep said. Teams of adults and students will compete to create a mural in one hour in front of live audience. The mural will the most tips will be chosen as the winner.

Featured artists and performers include the F.G. Bulber Youth Orchestra, Greta Painter, Kevin Leveque, ACTS Theatre, Lyd Walls, McNeese Visual Arts students, Morgan Allain, Elton Louviere, Daneisha Davis, Chris Shearman, Christian Youth Theatre, Jeremy Price, Kristie Ford, Danny Allain, Candice Alexander, Dwayne Derouen, Jim Ferguson, Eddie Mormon, Young Band Nation, the Barbe High School Show Choir, and many more.

For a full list of exhibiting artists and maps visit, www. artscouncilswla.org.