WESTFIELD – With PumpkinFest looming, preparations are in full swing for ArtWorks of Westfield’s ArtWalk gallery during the festival.

According to Cheryl Crowe, ArtWorks’ treasurer, ArtWalk started last year and run from early spring to late fall. She said the program works directly with businesses and artists to showcase their work. She explained the artists can showcase their work in different businesses and if the art sells, they get the full commission price for it.

Crowe added that because the ArtWalks take place every third Saturday of the month, it made sense to combine it with PumpkinFest’s activities, which takes place Oct. 19.

ArtWalk will take place alongside the trunk or treat from School Street to Arnold Street. Rather than showcasing the art inside of the different businesses, Crowe said the artists will be showcasing their art in their own tents along the street.

Along with selling their art, Crowe said the artists are more than welcome to do demonstrations of their art..

“We just told the artists you have a 10’x10’ space. Sell your stuff, and if you want to paint or whatever you want to do, be as creative as you want,” she said.

Crowe added artists from age 16-70 will be showcasing their work. In order to bring more visitors into the ArtWalk along Elm Street, Crowe said they are moving Sebastian Gleblocki’s huge, hand-crafted metal pumpkin further down the street so people can see all of the different art tents set up.

Crowe shared that ArtWorks is focusing more of its attention to the children at the festival with a variety of Halloween themed activities.

 “We’re going to have our own ArtWalks table, a bubble machine, face-painting, for the kids, trick or treat candy for the kids. We want to do a lot more interaction this year with the kids.”

Crowe said that working with businesses is an important part of what ArtWorks is. In the past, they changed the ArtWalks from Friday nights to Saturday afternoons to help businesses with traffic flow.

“We try really hard to work with the businesses to help them out, I think it’s really important to have an open communication with them,” she said.

According to Crowe, the children and the volunteers are the most important part of PumpkinFest. “I think the biggest thing is watching the kids, the smiles on the kids . . . and the volunteers are incredible,” she said.

ArtWorks will also host special events in November and December, including an Armed Forces Art Show at the Shortstop Bar and Grill and its Images of Westfield Art Show at the Olver Transit Pavilion.