First Fridays Art Walk: Kick off your month with culture

Coming up is the first Friday of the month which means it’s time to feed your artistic side.  Go ahead, mark it on your calendar this month and every month going forward, and look up participating galleries and new exhibits for your monthly dose of culture. 

The First Friday vibe is celebrated throughout various areas of Raleigh, but the most concentrated series of events are found in the downtown sector.  You’ll find a bevy of activity among the galleries in the Warehouse District, at restaurants and art spaces along Glenwood South, and within retail spaces, eateries and galleries along Hargett Street, Fayetteville Street and City Market, anchored by the open artist studios housed in Artspace, and along all streets and areas in between.  Activities generally crank up at 6pm and last until 9pm at most spots, with some continuing on until 10pm.

A ride on the R-Line (the free downtown circular bus) will get you from district to district fairly expeditiously, or you can stroll at your leisure from space to space taking in the lively atmosphere along the way. First Friday flags are displayed at a number of spaces denoting their participation, and brochures can be found at most noting a list of sites for view. Galleries and retailers host extended hours, and many restaurants and bars in the area get into the First Friday spirit offering food and drink specials. 

Highlighted galleries vary from month to month depending on new exhibits being unveiled, but regardless of the month-specific openings, there’s always innovative art displayed at all the various spots to behold. Sure to capture an audience is Design Box in the Warehouse District, Rebus Works on Kinsey St. in Boylan Heights, Artspace in City Market, the Fish Market (student gallery of NCSU College of Design) on the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett Streets, and the Carter Building on Glenwood South to name a few. The recent addition of the First Friday Market (produced by the same folks of Rock and Shop fame) featuring local emerging designers showcasing and selling their wares in a collective space for one night only has also been welcomed with popularity.

You’ll hear live music and DJs at some of the venues to celebrate the occasion, and taste complimentary refreshments to quench your thirst and curb your appetites. If you are in the mood for physical exercise while you mentally exercise, then join the bike group that meets at the NCSU Bell Tower every First Friday, and take the city streets en masse by storm. 
   
It’s the ideal time to show your support for the vibrant, accomplished artistic community in the area. With all the numerous galleries, studios, retailers, service providers, restaurants and bars alive with activity and specials each month, there’s more than enough to curate your Friday night cultural agenda. It’s actually a shame that First Friday can’t be First Weekend. For now, one packed night for creative viewing, eating and drinking will have to do. Now, go get your fill.

HelloRaleigh Tip:  Check out these sites to find updated lists each month for new art openings and agendas – www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday and www.newraleigh.com/galleries/first-friday. Of course, if you miss out on First Friday, you can always check out the exhibits anytime thereafter during their runs at their host venues.

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