Supposedly April showers bring May flowers. For us Seattleites, April tells us that the brutal bone-chilling winter has come to an end. We revive our hopes for warm days and plan fun activities that don’t involve sitting around inside.

Let your springtime festivities begin with the Ballard Art Walk. On the second Saturday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m., Ballard businesses, galleries and studios, mostly along Ballard Avenue and Market Street, participate in featuring mostly local and national artists.

Coordinated by the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, a map and list of participating businesses can be found on the chamber's Web site. Some businesses serve drinks and appetizers or host a special event for the evening.

See a work of art that you want to own? The host business will have the artist’s information and contact available, as most work is available for public purchase.

It’s a two-in-one stop shop, really. Invite family and friends for a whole evening of entertainment. You’ll see artwork while you shop, eat, and drink.

Begin the evening with a warm beverage at one of the following participating cafés: Aster Coffee Lounge, Caffe Fiore, KISS Café, Miro Tea, and Mr. Spot’s Chai House.

Browse through books at Abraxus Books and Secret Garden Bookshop.

Ready for a bite to eat? Restaurants such as Señor Moose, The Hi-Life, Lombardi’s and La Isla participate in the art walk. For post-dinner cheer, grab a drink at BalMar and Conor Byrne.

Perhaps some pampering is in order. Stop by Habitude for spa treatments, or shop at Market Street Shoes, Ella Mon Boutique, Horseshoe, La Tienda Folk Art Gallery, and Venue.

You’ll find an extensive list of yoga classes and artwork at Shakti Vinyasa Yoga. For additional adult fun check out the events at Live Girls! Theater designed to showcase female performers and artists for comedy, improv and cabaret.

We have a fashion design school right here in Ballard. Check out the student talent of New York Fashion Academy, which hosts mini-fashion shows of upcoming local designers.

Building C Studios is the home of twenty-five artists who share the warehouse for personal studio space. These amazing artists host shows year-round, but many of the artists open their studios for the art walk.

The Ballard Art Walk is the perfect way to promote and support Ballard business, local artists, and to enjoy our wonderful community. Mark your calendars every second Saturday of the month. It’s time to get outside from our long winter’s hibernation.

What:
Ballard Art Walk

Where:
For a map and complete list of participating businesses the Ballard Chamber of Commerce Web site.

When:
This Saturday, April 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., and the second Saturday of every month.