Little Italy may best be known for its authentic Italian cuisine, but a community of artists is adding a new dimension to the local culture with Kettner Nights, a bimonthly event celebrating the region’s burgeoning art and design district. On the second Friday of every odd month from 6 to 9 p.m., nearly two dozen businesses open their doors for a nighttime tour of the area’s diverse artistic offerings. Visitors are treated to snacks, beverages and music as they peruse galleries featuring photography, fine art, paintings, sculptures, furniture, jewelry and print works. Even Harley Davidson contributes to the art scene, providing live entertainment in its showroom. A group of artists created Kettner Nights five years ago to raise awareness about the growing art and design district in North Little Italy, which encompasses the area on Kettner and India streets between Laurel and Grape. Perry Meyer, who has organized the event since 2007, and who also owns the Perry L. Meyer Fine Art Gallery at 2400 Kettner Blvd., said that redevelopment in the region combined with the distinctive atmosphere of Little Italy makes it a prime location for the emerging art scene. “There is a strong and growing art community here. I’ve seen eight or nine new art or design-related businesses come in just the last year or two,” Meyer said. “Each of us is really individualized in our arts — we’re unique in our own way. And the fact that you can walk to the main part of Little Italy to check out the restaurants is also fun.” Meyer’s wife, Kathy, who handles much of the promotion for Kettner Nights, said they have had as many as 300 people come to the event. “The event is well attended, and it’s a nice tradition for all the businesses,” Kathy said. “People get to see a lot at one time, and it brings exposure to this area so that people know there is a lot going on in the North end as well.” The next Kettner Nights event will take place Friday, March 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Kettner Boulevard.