The Downtown Arts Walk, held in downtown Thibodaux Oct. 17, will give locals a chance to view original art, speak with artists and hear live music. The Downtown Arts Walk will feature a variety of artists, including Nicholls art students and faculty. Angela Hammerli, distinguished service professor, will be dancing with the Maryinnets, a creative group of dancers involving Nicholls graduates. Hammerli’s husband, Ed Hammerli, will show his photography and read his poetry at Fremin’s restaurant.

“People can visit with old friends, make new friends and new connections, view our wonderful shops and restaurants in downtown Thibodaux, while being inspired with new ideas from others at this event,” Hammerli said.

The Americanos, a local band made up of former and present Nicholls students, will perform.

“People can see the artwork and talk to the artists,” Rusty Bouvier, art senior from Lockport and member of the Americanos, said. “It is a good networking tool for an artist to get their name out; it gives artists excellent exposure and it’s a fun event for the community.”

Jeff Brown, assistant art professor at Nicholls, will be demonstrating the potter’s wheel with some of his students.

“The event is to represent the arts in our area and bring people to the downtown area,” he said. “There are a lot of wonderful artists around his area, and this event will showcase some of them.”

Other events include roller derby, sax quartet and author’s row. Children will be able to view an outdoor film series presentation of Charlie Brown’s “Great Pumpkin” and Garfield’s “Halloween Adventure.” Local shops will be open, and there will be free food and drinks.

The Downtown Arts Walk will be from 6 to 9 p.m. It is sponsored by Thibodaux Main Street, the city of Thibodaux, Houma Regional Arts Council and downtown Thibodaux businesses.