Jennifer McBride - Leader Staff

The third annual Polson Art Walk drew small crowds last Friday afternoon, despite cold temperatures and flurries of snow. Over 20 local businesses in downtown Polson opened their doors late to draw in both holiday shoppers and art aficionados. Most local owners said business was slower than last year because of the sudden storm, but there was still a fair amount of foot traffic.

"I'm glad people are out, even though it's snowing," said Kathy Farmer, owner of Wild Side Chocolates and Montana Gifts.

She said she had a hard time drawing people around the corner, but helped offset that by Christmas carols played by husband, Mike. He played such favorites as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" on a synthesizer set up in the window. The pianist, who wore a floppy, red Santa hat, stuck to Christmas carols, but Farmer said he might take requests.

"He's here because I twisted his arm," she said.

Mike Farmer's music wasn't the only audio art available. Debbie Conrad played harp in Pilates Plus, though she had to compete with the Great Scots and the Butter'd Peas downstairs in Page-by-Page bookstore.

In terms of visual art, Pilates Plus displayed some of the best art produced by Cherry Valley elementary students along its walls. People interested in more professionally-produced pieces could visit the Grey Leaf Gallery, which is featuring work by Kalispell photographer Brenda Corbin. The Sandpiper Art Gallery also offered exhibits by local artists, including wood-carved ornaments and Kelly Apgar's cattle-marker art.

Along with art, most stores offered cookies or candy or something warm to eat. Most also gave customers a chance to enter into drawings for gift certificates or other prizes.

Diana Doyle, co-owner of Pieces, didn't just display art at the art work: she made it, painting flowers on tool-boxes while patrons roamed the store.

"I do all the painting in here," she said. "I love it."