It's that time of year when Downtown Greenwich businesses become a gallery of art.

Thursday was the opening night of the 26th annual Art to the Avenue, where artists are matched with retailers to display pieces at their stores.

For the whole month of May, strollers can view an array of works benefiting both the local artists and business owners.

Organizers at the Greenwich Arts Council say it's a two-way street.

"First of all, it's a great platform for retailers to bring a clientele base that they would not normally have on a day-to-day basis. And also, for the artist to be able to bring their own following into our community which otherwise probably wouldn't have visited us," said Tatiana Mori, executive director with Greenwich Arts Council.

Thirty percent of each art sale will go towards the arts, music and dance education programs of the Greenwich Art Council as well.