Join everyone to celebrate the fifth Twin Villages Art Walk, Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. It is a free, self-guided walking/driving tour of art shows in Damariscotta and Newcastle. The Art Walk takes place the first Wednesday of the month June through December.

The event aims to increase community awareness of diverse local art, make shows more inviting to the general public and foster the creative economy. The “steering committee,” an informal coalition of art connoisseurs, business owners and nonprofit leaders have organized an incredibly eclectic range of participants.

There will be about 22 businesses/artists open, many beyond regular hours. Most are in a walkable area downtown, but several are a short drive. All participants will have a yellow Art Walk flag hanging outside. There are a few who will take the flag down at 5 p.m., or may choose not to have it up.

Some will have music, some will have refreshments, some will have both. All will have amazing talent and welcoming atmosphere. There will be some music outside enjoyed while walking between venues. If any musicians are interested in playing (for tips only), there are still a couple of options open, inside and out. Call Jill Rice at 207-563-1735 for details.

The following businesses/artists are participating: Artsake Framing Gallery, Damariscotta Pottery (till 5), Damariscotta River Grill, Gifts At 136 (with Heather Hardy, acoustic music), Jan Kilburn Art Studio (168 Bristol Road), Maine Art Prints (20 Bristol Road), Ruth Monsell (silhouettist and full art gallery at home, 82 Westview Road, Damariscotta, off Route 130), Newcastle Publick House, Newcastle Square Realty Associates, Oyster House Studio & Gallery, Pemaquid Watershed Association, Phelps Architects, Legacy Properties: Sotheby’s International Realty, Pine Tree Yarns, Rising Tide Community Market, River Arts Gallery, with Abbie Williams painting demo, 4 to 5 p.m. (Route 1 north, just beyond Hunt), River Gallery-Fine Art, Salt Bay Trading (Route 1 south, across from Newcastle Chrysler/Dodge), Savory Maine, Skidompha Public Library, Stable Gallery (with Nancy Sferra, acoustic music 5 to 7 p.m.), and The First. Maine Coast Book Store is participating, from 5 to 7 p.m. Local authors signing their books (outside the store, weather permitting, otherwise inside) are: artisanal beer expert Josh Christie with his new book, “Maine Beer: Brewing in Vacationland” and Jeff Pert, “Cartoons From Maine.” Twin Villages Alliance and Renys have paid, just to be supportive, but no art shown. They will host music outside the Renys Underground.

There are colorful, 11 by 17-inch maps all around town and 4 by 9-inch rack cards with a smaller map and list of participants, including contact information, so folks can carry the map with them for quick reference. The back of the rack card also has business hours for the few businesses that choose to close (pull flag down) at 5 p.m. The hope is that with the maps available, any venue can be explored during other times than the Wednesday Art Walk.