More than 200 artists are represented in old town Bluffton's many arts galleries and shops, and on Friday, art enthusiasts can meet some of them during the Fall Art Walk.

From 3 to 7 p.m., the public is welcome to roam through nine galleries in old town, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres and speak with some of the local artists. During the last year's fall art walk, more than 1,000 people visited the galleries, said Diane Dean, who is a partner in two of the galleries. Dean is also a member of the Bluffton Old Town Merchants Society, which sponsors the Art Walk.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the relocated Society of Bluffton Artists gallery, which moved from Boundary Street to a remodeled location on the corner of Calhoun and Church streets.

There will be music in two locations in town and demonstrations of art techniques, Dean said.

This event will feature one new shop, FishBone Gallery and Gifts, which opened Sept. 15. The gallery features 14 artists with many skills and mediums.

"We've had a really good response so far," said FishBone owner Maria Slough. "We're getting positive remarks from people here in town and visitors from out-of-state and out of the country. I'm tickled."

Slough taught herself the art of clay. She is known as the "Cotton-Pickin Potter" in Beaufort, where she still has work in two galleries. She owned a ceramics shop in Beaufort, but closed it about 10 years ago.

"It's a wonderful, wonderful town," she said. "Both towns (Beaufort and Bluffton) have a very strong belief, commitment for the arts."

Slough is also a member of the merchants society, and she said she plans on staying involved with events that promote the local artists.

"You need to be able to share with other people what you do," she said. "Art's supposed to make you smile."