The streets of Downtown Natchez have always had heart, and for the next two days they are going to have art too.

Local and out-of-town artists will line Main and Commerce streets starting at 6 tonight.

Street vendors will sell pottery, paintings, carvings and jewelry they’ve crafted themselves, and musicians will keep the mood light and soulful through Saturday night.

In its third year, Art & Soul is about the artists vending their wares, but more than that, it’s about downtown Natchez.

Money will change hands on the streets, but the shops along the sidelines will see some playing time as well.

The event brings tourists and locals to downtown, pocketbooks in hand.

On top of the economic impact, the funds raised through artist fees — $50 per booth — sponsorships, the silent auction and T-shirt and poster sales go to the Natchez Downtown Development Association.

For the last two years the festival has raised approximately $10,000. Those dollars are spent by the NDDA for things such as downtown beautification.

The weather should be nice, and the sights will be interesting, so head on downtown this weekend, but only if you’ve got room for a little art and soul in you.