Art has always been a major component of the culture in Eau Claire, with multiple events to attend throughout the year. This Feb. 6 marks the sixth annual Banbury Art Crawl at Banbury Place, which features many vendors and artists.

The Art Crawl is a local art and entertainment event where anyone can come and view the works of many talented artists. There will be 26 local artists featured, and 47 artists from out of town.

Chairman of the Art Crawl Committee, Jo Ellen Burke, said nearly 5,000 people are expected to attend the event this year to support the artists and view the featured works.

Some local artists with work on display this year include Stephen Odgen, Matthew Rick, John DeRosa and Sabrina Jackson.

The event is free to the public. Every artist will have some of their art for sale. Items on display and available for purchase include paintings, ceramics, glass work, fabrics, jewelry, photography and more.

This year’s Art Crawl is the first time some artists will provide demonstrations of their artwork. This gives the event goers a chance to see how the pieces are created and the talent and dedication that goes into a piece of work.

“I am looking forward to this year’s crawl as last year proved to be very interesting for me,” Haley Wozney, an event participant, said. “The demonstrations will really add to the event this year and be especially inspiring for me because making art is something I love to do and have in common with the participating artists.”

This event is from 3 – 9 p.m. Feb. 6, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb 7 at Banbury Place, 930 Galloway St. Buildings 10 and 13 will be dedicated to the artwork displays.

Along with the artwork on display, the event will also hold other entertainment— improv and dancing. Food, wine and coffee will also be available for purchase.

Artist applications are now closed for this year, but anyone who is interested in participating in next year’s show should leave their email address on the Banbury Art Crawl web site.

The event has been a hit in years past, and the Art Crawl Committee hopes and expects the same for this year. Cultural events like such bring the diverse aspects the Eau Claire community strives for.

With hope for the same turnout as last year, the artists and committee members are hoping to draw people in to enjoy a weekend of appreciation for art, music and some good food.