The lawn of the Limestone County Courthouse will become an art gallery of sorts Saturday during the first ever Art on the Square.

From paintings to jewelry to iron work, local artists will display and sell original pieces of art. Art on the Square is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I think it’s bringing a cultural event to Athens to introduce Athens to the arts,” said Trisha Black.

Black, along with a few additional volunteers, is part of Art on the Square Inc., a non-profit organization formed to organize this event. Black serves as publicity co-chair.

The event is, in part, an effort to bring tourists and residents to the downtown area with the hopes of boosting business.

“It’s important for us to support local artists,” Black said.

The event will take place rain or shine. If it rains, the event will be moved indoors at a few locations on the square.

Macherie Kerr and Margaret Mountenay, co-owners of Sassy’s Fraz and Fraz Gallery, located on the square, conceived the idea of having an art event in Athens. Their idea has transformed into an event that will include nearly 40 artists from the north Alabama area, who will be selling their artwork on the courthouse grounds.

There will also be entertainment for different age groups throughout the event. Athenian Arts, a children’s art area, will available for children to work with clay, paints and more. Musical guests such as Cristina Lynn and Clear Title will perform throughout the day and local venders will sell a variety of food.

More than a dozen local businesses have contributed prizes for drawings throughout the day. Some of the items to be given away: two pair of sunglasses from Athens Eye Care, a $25 gift certificate to CEI Bookstore, a $25 gift certificate to Bennett’s, and a one-night stay at the Hampton Inn.

Food venders will include Tortillas Blanco, Backyard Burgers, Isom’s Orchard, Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Gardenia’s Cakes. There will also be pizza, shaved ice and strawberry shortcake available.

Art on the Square is also taking pre-orders for limited edition prints featuring the event logo. Prints are $65 and proofs are $100. To make payment arrangements, e-mail artonthesquare@hotmail.com. T-shirts are also available for $10.

The first-annual Art on the Square Poker Run will also take place Saturday. This event is a scenic motorcycle ride through Limestone County, with proceeds benefiting the new Limestone Two-Wheel Trail for motorcycles and bicycles. Registration for this event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. The ride will begin and end at the courthouse square. The first place winner will be announced at 2 p.m. There is a $20 per hand participation fee. There will be designated parking for motorcycles on the square.