First Friday Art Walk

Ruth | September 25th, 2009

Some people never miss a chance to come downtown for First Friday.  If you are like me you have to arrange and schedule to find time, but it is always worth it.

On the first Friday of every month over 25 art galleries and shops participate in this celebration of art.  Most galleries will feature an artist or artists and will host receptions with hors de’ oeuvres.  The atmosphere is festive and it is a wonderful chance to meet local art talent and to stroll through downtown from gallery to gallery.  The event is from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Press publishes a map showing what shops and galleries are participating and The Anchorage Daily News prints a map in the Play section often highlighting an artist or gallery.  Maps include a brief synopsis of what art is showing.

You don’t have to be an art critic or snob to enjoy seeing the many styles and talents that Alaska has to offer.  There is something relaxing about spending time with friends strolling from gallery to gallery and stopping along the way for a bite to eat or a drink.

The great thing about First Friday is that it is self guided.  You can get the map and decided which spots sound interesting.  You can try to make it to all the stops on the map or select a few galleries that are of special interest.  The great thing about working downtown is I can pick a few stops near work to peek in before I head home even if I haven’t got the time to really wander.

If you haven’t been to first Friday then gather your friends and start planning.  Oct. 2nd is the next First Friday and the variety of offerings is sure to have something that appeals to everyone.