The fifth and final Damariscotta-Newcastle Twin Villages ArtWalk of 2015 is happening Friday, Oct. 16. This month brings huge bonuses of giant pumpkins used as palettes along the sidewalks of Main Street created for the annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest.

The art walk is organized by an informal coalition of art connoisseurs, business owners and nonprofit leaders with an eclectic group of participants. The villages invite the local community and visitors to enjoy the galleries, artists and artisans, musicians, specialty shops, and restaurants, as well as spectacular river views.

There are 22 locations participating. Some will have music, others will have refreshments, and some will have both. Of these businesses, galleries and shops, some are in walking distance in the downtown area, while others are a short drive away.

Participants include Attic Heirlooms' “Whimsical fiber creations for fall;” fabric and fibers to make creations as well as having a selection of ready-made items to sell, local and U.S. products. Attic Heirlooms is a customer service oriented shop where employees love to demonstrate and give hands on help in learning the handcraft skills.

Other fine businesses and galleries in this last art walk of the 2015 season are Deborah Schaefer, The Lincoln Home, Milling Around LLC, Schooner Landing, River Gallery-Fine Art, Newcastle Square Realty Associates, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Gifts At 136, Damariscotta River Grill, Aboca Beads, Attic Heirlooms, Legacy Properties/Sotheby’s, Savory Maine Restaurant, Stable Gallery, Firehouse Center Gallery, Maine Art Prints by “Jake” Day, Kefauver Studio and Gallery, Jan Kilburn Gallery, Marnie Sinclair Gallery, Kathleen Horst Studio Gallery, Rising Tide Community Market and River Arts.

There are colorful poster/maps around town and brochures with smaller maps and listings of participants, including contact information, so people can carry the map with them for quick reference and visits beyond ArtWalk nights. All participants will have a yellow ArtWalk flag hanging outside.

Want to check out a gallery, business or shop that’s not within walking distance? Ride for free aboard the Country Coach Charters’ trolley that loops through the ArtWalk. Hop on and off at participant stops along the ArtWalk map. The downtown trolley stop is at corner of Theater and Main streets and loops every 20-30 minutes.

Since 2013 the Damariscotta and Newcastle (Twin Villages) ArtWalk has been held the third Friday, June through October from 4-7 p.m.

For more information about participating in Damariscotta-Newcastle Art Walk, as an artist or performer, contact event coordinators Martha Kalina, martha@safeharborconfections.com; Kim Traina, jumpstartcreative@gmail.com or Jill Rice, 207-563-1735.