Where to go for First Friday

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written by Anna Bird


This Friday, towns around the state will be hosting their monthly art walks—usually drawing foot traffic with complimentary food and beverages. Of course, the art and music are the namesake attraction. Whether your town does First Friday, First Thursday, Last Saturday, Third Wednesday or every-other-Tuesday, it’s a good time to go out on the town and see what the local culture is offering for free or for sale. If you’re in Bend, Eugene or Portland this Friday, here are some places to peruse.

Bend

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Spring Memories on the Mountain by Patricia Clark

Atelier 6000, or A6, is off the beaten path for Bend’s First Friday, but it’s worth the detour. The nonprofit studio and gallery will be hosting the opening reception for “Mt. Bachelorisms,” starting at 5 p.m. The exhibit will showcase pieces by local artists that represent an atypical version of the popular landmark. With styles ranging from cubism to impressionism to minimalism, the exhibit is meant to be a “tongue-in-cheek” concept to counter the dearth of Mt. Bachelor images out there. The exhibit will be on display until February 28 if you can’t catch it on opening night.

Also catch: The JZ Band, a jammin’ blues/rock/jazz/folk/country/reggae band of Bend locals, at Crow’s Feet Commons, starting at 6 p.m.

 

Portland

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The Gallery @ Juniper Hotel

First Thursday is the longest-running art walk in Portland, but it’s exclusive to the Northwest side of town. First Friday, on the other hand, is the night Portland’s Eastside galleries can shine. The Gallery @ The Jupiter Hotel has been a supporter of small businesses and the arts since its inception, and now it has launched a First Friday Artisan Series. This Friday, the Jupiter Hotel will host “Welcome to Cascadia” by Joel Barber, a series of acrylic painted mahogany wood panels inspired by Japanese wood block prints and dealing with the relationship between technology and nature. There will also be music by Jo Alexis, complimentary food, drinks and artwork for sale.

Also catch: “Passages,” an exhibit of encaustics by David Price, at Butters Gallery. Starting at 6 p.m. with artist comments at 6:30 p.m.

 

Eugene

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Passeggiata con Cinghiali by Jerry Ross

To get the most out of Eugene’s First Friday ArtWalk, consider joining the Lane Arts Council’s guided tour that stops at five local galleries and businesses. This Friday, the tour will start at 5:30 p.m. at Oregon Art Supply and end at Euphoria Chocolate Company. Along the way, you’ll hear from featured artists such as printmaker Heather Halpern at OUT ON A LIMB Gallery and painter Jerry Ross at InEugene Real Estate. It’s a good way to enjoy the art walk for those who like to talk about art along with admiring it.

Also catch: Singer/songwriter Michael Kevin Daly at the Oregon Wine Lab, starting at 7 p.m., along with tasty treats from Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery.

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