John Entrekin has been all over the country, selling his work, teaching others how to create and helping the art community grow in different areas.

Now, he’s found himself in Zanesville. A New York native, Entrekin first arrived in the area after his agent, Diana, showed him around the Y-Bridge Arts Festival last year. After a few more visits, the process of establishing his own gallery was underway.

Now, Entrekin’s works are on display just down 7th Street, in fellow artist Joel Yeager’s building. After spending much of his time in larger cities selling his paintings, Entrekin said he sees the potential for serious growth in the Zanesville area in the near future.

“I think there’s probably a need to drag in a few more people like me, who are not better or worse than anyone, but it’s just a bigger number,” he said. “In other words, more people.”

While more galleries are needed to continue the growth of the art community in Zanesville, Entrekin noted another key ingredient needed — buyers.

That’s where the Y-Bridge Arts Festival comes in.

The same event that brought Entrekin to the area kicks off its once-a-year event Friday at 2 p.m. before wrapping up Saturday evening. Works from around 75 artists will be on display, as well as up for sale to interested buyers.

The event, held at the Zane’s Landing Park, is backed by The Artist Colony of Zanesville, which brings the kind of feeling that Entrekin says artists are looking for — community.

“I think the biggest encouragement to an outside artist coming in is there is a very welcoming community here,” he said. “And it’s a quality community … There’s a lot of good stuff here and that’s the most important thing.”

Celebrating its 10th year now, the festival reflects the growing arts scene in Zanesville, powered by the components that brought an artist like Entrekin to the area. And, if he’s right, things can only go up from here.

The Y-Bridge Arts Festival kicks of Friday at 2 p.m. until dark and runs from 11 a.m. to dark on Saturday.