The upcoming Northeast Georgia Arts Tour plans to fill your senses with the sights, sounds, tastes and talent of local artists and businesses.

Jaymi Hampton, director of the Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts in Tallulah Falls, said the purpose of the art tour is educational.

"I try to tell artists that ... you're not trying to sell your art, you're trying to teach them about your art," Hampton said.

The event has expanded every year since its beginning four years ago.

Hampton said the first time the event took place, 10 businesses signed up. This year, some 88 business are participating in the event, which features more than 150 Georgia artists demonstrating and teaching their craft in stores, on sidewalks and in galleries.

In the past, the event was held by Rabun and Habersham counties over one weekend. It expanded to two weekends this year to include Stephens and White counties.

Participating restaurants are showing off their culinary know-how, offering wine tastings and providing musicians with places to perform during the event.

Glassblowing, candle making and pottery making are just a few of the skills artists will demonstrate during the tour.

Bands will entertain in outdoor venues with a range of music, including the heritage music of the Loblolly String Band and the classic rock of the Little River Band.

In addition, a variety of classes will offer instruction on everything from silver jewelry making to digital photography.

Hampton said she hopes participants will take away not only artistic techniques but a better appreciation of what Georgia artists have to offer.

"We want people to say, ‘Wow, there's really good artists in Georgia,' and whenever they do want art, to say, ‘Let's go to Georgia,' " Hampton said.