Get ready Eugene, because rain or shine, the First Friday ArtWalk is coming to town on June 5.
Lane Arts Council, who puts on the event, will be representing a long list of art galleries and studios from Eugene. In addition, they will host “Artist Alley,” where unrepresented artists can display and sell their work.
“Think of it as a small Saturday market,” said Jessica Watson, who is the coordinator of the ArtWalk.
In addition to still art, the First Friday ArtWalk will host events that celebrate dance, music and interpretive art. At 6pm, “Arts Alive” will take place, a free event for all ages to come out and participate with local musicians, dancers and artists. This will take place at Kesey Square in downtown Eugene.
The First Friday ArtWalk also features “art talks” – presentations from successful artists from in or around Oregon. Christopher Acebo will be speaking about the art of theater set design. Doors open at 5 at the Oregon Contemporary Theatre (194 W. Broadway). Seating is limited, so get there early.
“We bring in speakers quarterly, and they’re professionals who are just outstanding in their field,” said Watson.
Though some are under the impression that these art walks occur only in the summertime, they actually take place year-round. Each month, Lane Arts Council brings in a new host and new venues. So locals can go enjoy art walks all year long without getting bored. The First Friday ArtWalk is completely free and great for the whole family. Of course, you might want to bring some pocket money so that you can take an original piece of artwork home for yourself.
If you are planning on joining the guided tour of the art walk hosted by artist Jud Turner, meet at 5:30 at the MODERN venue (207 E 5th Ave, Suite 105.) For more information about the First Friday ArtWalk, visit http://lanearts.org/first-friday-artwalk/.