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It’s getting to that time of year when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp. Most importantly, it is a time when everything turns spooky and mysterious! The Halloween season has arrived, and with it the next installment of Art D’Vine, a gallery hop on State Street. Downtown Bristol’s seven art galleries are preparing themselves for what is sure to be an unforgettable art walk and wine tasting on Friday, October 26 from 6pm to 9pm.

As in the previous gallery hops, participants are invited to stroll around Historic Downtown Bristol, stopping at Kil’n Time, Benjamin Walls Gallery, CityMug, 606 State Street Gallery, One of a Kind Gallery, blowfish emporium and Hatching Perspective Gallery. Each gallery will feature a different wine varietal for sampling. Sylvia Musgrove, director at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramics Studio, says: "Gallery strolls give residents and visitors a great look into the new life of the downtown. If you're not living, working, or frequenting one of the shops here, you miss out on all the dynamic events that are constantly happening. Art D'Vine gives everyone a chance to connect with the vibrant energy that's transforming State Street, and we love it."

The gallery owners are encouraging participants to get into the “spirit” of the season and join them in donning their favorite Halloween costume! Witches, warlocks and spooks of all natures are invited to the gallery hop, ready to enjoy fine art and fine wine, along with several special happenings. The artists of 606 State Street Gallery are hoping their art will inspire others to support the For Pete’s Sake Animal Rescue serving Sullivan County, Bristol, TN and the region. Participants in the gallery hop will be among the first to view selected works for a silent auction in November during this exclusive “sneak peak” event. There will be a Soup & Cider Reception at blowfish emporium – with the selection of a handmade bowl, you will get a choice of delicious soups to fill it! Kil'n Time will be sending chills down visitors' spines with chair massages by Delores Champagne and scary tales from author Chuck Thompson, who is celebrating the release of Why Bristol?, his newest book. A very special guest artist and sidekick from the Great Beyond will be at One of a Kind Gallery throughout the evening. The Benjamin Walls Gallery will unveil the abstract image “Poplar” at 7pm, and visitors will also get the chance to see Ben’s striking fall color image “Impressions,” appropriately called WALLS-WALL due to its large size.

A new student gallery at the school board office at 220 Lee Street will also join Art D’Vine in October. Teacher Jenny Snead says, “Hatching Perspective Gallery features the work of student artists from all six of the Bristol Virginia Public Schools. Show your Bearcat pride and advocate for the arts in our schools by considering the creations of the young artists in our community.”

As always, this event is free to the public, though there is a suggested one-time donation of $5 with the proceeds supporting the Arts and Entertainment District of Historic Downtown Bristol, TN-VA.

For more information, please contact René Rodgers of Believe in Bristol at 276-644-9700, rrodgers@believeinbristol.org, or visit the website at www.believeinbristol.org.