The month of May will see Port Townsend’s Uptown and Downtown Historic Districts “come alive with colorful creativity” as more than 40 local businesses showcase student artwork in their windows for the “Art Wave,” a celebration of the community’s young artists presented by the Port Townsend Main Street Program.

The Art Wave is set to kick off during the First Saturday Art Walk on May 3, so that pedestrians can stroll through town, enjoy the work of Port Townsend’s students and “soak in the festive spirit, as storefronts transform into vibrant art galleries,” according to PT Main Street Marketing and Communications Coordinator Eryn Smith.

Art Wave represents a collaboration between the Port Townsend Main Street Program, local merchants and PT Artscape, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting art education in Port Townsend schools since 1998.

“PT Artscape brings the magic of art into classrooms and out into the community,” said Michele Soderstrom, co-coordinator of PT Artscape. “We connect professional artists with young minds and curious hearts to spark creativity and joy.”

Student work from Salish Coast Elementary, Blue Heron Middle School and Port Townsend High School will be on display, highlighting the expressions of imagination fostered through PT Artscape’s teaching artists program.

Smith encouraged passersby to look for Art Wave signs in business windows, and to scan their QR codes to donate directly to PT Artscape.

“Community support helps fund vital art supplies, teaching artist programs and free community art experiences, like the popular Friday night teen program, Bunker, which takes place at Fort Worden, and is coordinated by Northwind Art,” Smith said. “Every donation fuels creativity and keeps the arts thriving in our local schools.”

What to know:

This promotion is free for Main Street member businesses in the historic districts, and $15 for non-members.