This weekend many local artists will get the chance to share some of their work with the community.

Vickie Hood, a local painter, said she thinks the Bowling Green Gallery Hop has benefited local artists.

“We have a lot of different artists around here who have many different talents and techniques,” she said. “The gallery hop really helps to get their work noticed and their names out there.”

This is the first time Hood will participate in the hop, a free art showing at some local stores and galleries.

Her signature pieces are painted ornaments and feathers, which she’ll display at B&J Gallery, 107 Nellums Ave.

That gallery, along with other venues including the Capitol Arts Center, 416

E .Main Ave., and The Gallery at 916, 916 State St., will open their doors to the public from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today for this year’s first hop.

Marsha Heidbrink, one of the original coordinators, said the purpose of the hop is to help familiarize residents with local art.

She said this is the third year of the hop, and there are about five hops a year.

Heidbrink, who is the owner of Memphis Marsha’s Art Gallery & Classes, 524 E. 12th Ave., said the hops have brought in more business and new clients for downtown art venues and stores.

The Himalayan Handcrafted Rug Co., 415B Park Row, will be a part of the hop for the first time today.

William Parsons, one of the owners of the rug company, said he expects that the hop will help his business.

“It helps bring awareness to the university and the community that we are here,” he said.

His business plans to host a demonstration and show a video at the hop about how rugs can be made from natural fibers.