The first of Greenwood-Phinney neighborhood art walk will take place this Friday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Called Art Up/Open Up, it's meant to encourage art lovers to visit businesses on Greenwood Avenue North between 67th and 87th streets, support our city's vibrant community of artists and get out and shop local!

Art Up/Open Up will happen on the second Friday of every month and will feature special discounts and promotions from neighborhood restaurants, bars and shops, including TerraBella Flowers, Strut Shoes and Lemon Meringue boutique.

This month's inaugural event will include a Snowman on Parade fundraiser and silent auction to benefit the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club. Big wooden snowmen have been decorated by local artists and members of the Boys and Girls Club, and will be on display along Greenwood Avenue. Bidding will close at 9 p.m., and all proceeds will support families who cannot afford the fee to join the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club.

This event is sponsored by the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce. For more information and a schedule of events visit their Web site.

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