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Businesses in downtown Boyertown hosted a group of diversely skilled local artists Friday during the town’s monthly Fourth Friday Art Walk.

Rachael Kehler, owner of the Peppermint Stick Candy Store, said the idea for the Art Walk began when someone approached her at last October’s Pickfest, Boyertown’s music and culture festival, expressing an interest in having musicians play in front of stores. At the time, Kehler, who started the Boyertown Main Street Merchants Group, already had a banjo player performing in front of her Philadelphia Avenue candy store and loved the idea.

“Boyertown is a really great town to walk around and just enjoy,” Kehler said, citing the town’s Victorian architecture. “I think it (the Art Walk) is a great way to come out, support local artists and the local businesses, and it doesn’t cost you anything, so it’s a great way to spend some time without spending a lot of money.”

Now, in addition to musicians, the Art Walk features artists who work with a variety of media.

Art Walks are planned for the fourth Friday of every month through November. After taking a break in December, Kehler hopes to start the Art Walks again in January.

Some businesses have a different artist every month, while others opt to stick with the same artist.

The Art Walk is aimed at helping both the artists and the business owners that host them; the business owners get more people through their doors, and the artists get people to see their talents.

“I’m just thrilled to be able to show some of my work,” said photographer Mike Myers, whose photos were on display at the Book Nook at 130 E. Philadelphia Ave.

In total, 17 Boyertown businesses, most of which are located on South Reading Avenue or East Philadelphia Avenue, participated in this month’s Art Walk. They featured artists specializing in everything from dance to doodles, and Kehler said she feels positive about the event’s potential to continue growing.