This 'Willy Wonka' painting by Karen Middleton is featured at High Cotton Arts for the upcoming Spirit of Athens Chocolate Walk.

Local artists are encouraging the community to become infatuated with High Cotton Arts in February, and they are using their artistic talents, a popcorn bar and a Mardi Gras decorating event to lure visitors.

High Cotton Arts the nonprofit art incubator in downtown Athens, was opened by Athens Arts League in 2014. The building on Washington Street features window galleries, including one playing home to artist Karen Middleton’s “Willy Wonka” creation.

The 30-by-40 painting depicts Gene Wilder in his famous role as author Roald Dahl’s eccentric confectioner, and ties into the upcoming Chocolate Walk event that High Cotton Arts is participating in this Saturday.

“If you have not visited High Cotton Arts, we are hoping to entice you to come by this month,” said Athens Arts League chairwoman Amy Golden. “February is known for Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras, and we are offering events that celebrate love and fun. One visit and you’ll become infatuated with what all High Cotton Arts offers.”

Here are some of the events and programs offered in February:

● Enjoy a sweet Saturday at High Cotton Arts during the Feb. 11 Spirit of Athens Chocolate Walk (Spirit of Athens is selling tickets online at Eventbrite). High Cotton Arts is one of the stops for ticket holders and will offer a popcorn bar with chocolate toppings from 1-6 p.m. In addition, there will be acoustical music provided by Sharpshooter from 2-4 p.m., and visitors can meet the studio artists.

● Shop for your Valentine. Artists have made heart-themed pieces in mediums ranging from ceramics to paintings to tile. Gift certificates are available.

● Fall in love with old photos again by getting them restored. Photographer Randall Lewter offers this service at High Cotton Arts.

● Savor the written word with the monthly Listening Lounge at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 with author Jim Nesbitt, launching his new book “The Right Wrong Number.” There will be readings from the book by Nesbitt and author Jerry Barksdale. Light refreshments served at this free event.

● Make an emotional connection with art by taking a class from one of the studio artists. Classes include watercolors, acrylics and alcohol ink on tile. There are morning and evening classes for all ages. For class information, call 256-232-7717 or go on Facebook to “High Cotton Arts.”

● Share an affection for creativity with your children by bringing them to the free pre-Mardi Gras Street Fair activity at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. Children can make Mardi Gras masks and decorate their wagons for the downtown Athens celebration and mini-parade. Athens Arts League will provide art supplies and Moon Pies while supplies last. The Mardi Gras Street Fair will start at 6:30 p.m. and includes marching by High Cotton Arts.

High Cotton Arts is open to the public 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

“High Cotton Arts is more than a building where artists rent space,” said Athens Arts League Vice President Diane Lehr. “It is a gathering place for creative souls. I have seen those who are intimidated by art learn from our classes that High Cotton Arts is a safe zone. With a little instruction, they begin to lose their fear of failure as they see their own artwork become something meaningful to their lives.”