Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
It’s not your first Friday, but it’s First Friday. Here’s your sneak peek on what to do, what to see and where to be and be seen:
ISAAC HUNTER’S OAK CITY TAVERN: Artists of the Square Table Mural Unveiling, 7 p.m. The mural will then remain as a permanent tribute to the city.
“Isaac Hunter's is proud to have three of Raleigh's greatest artists come together to paint a mural that represents what we love most about North Carolina. The mural—in a few words—can be described as a collaboration between Carlos Burgos, Anna Taylor and Jason Payne that creates an abstract impressionistic feel, combined with techniques that change the face of the mural from night and day, and that is tied together by elements drawn straight from North Carolina. The mural will actually look one way during the day and completely different at night. Come to Isaac Hunter's on First Friday to see this incredibly unique piece and meet the artists behind it.”
— Zack Medford, co-owner, Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern
CITY MARKET: Outdoor Concert with E.G. Peters Band, 7-10 p.m. on Wolfe Street near Woody's at City Market.
“They [E.G. Peters Band] play a wide variety of music ranging from Jazz to 80s Dance to R&B and Country. City Market provides a great First Friday atmosphere for people of all ages. Stroll the cobblestone streets, enjoy delicious foods from local restaurants, test drive a Segway or view art at the Visual Art Exchange or Artspace! Come dance in the streets and enjoy the music and fun. Complimentary glow necklaces for the kids!”
— Christina Coffey, broker, Hunter & Associates Commercial Real Estate | citymarketraleigh.com
EPONA & OAK: LoveBug 2010—The Great Draw-off & Art Exhibit , 6-10 p.m. Gallery exhibit will run through the month of August.
“The LoveBug is a unique First Friday opportunity to enjoy live art, a gallery opening and live music all while supporting an excellent organization! Locally famous artists David Eichenberger, Amy Sawyer, Sean Kernick and many others will compete live on the street to make the best bug art. It's sure to be an awesome, family-friendly event, with a young artists’ competition round and a LocoPops stand for the kids, as well as Big Boss beer and sustainably made wine for the big kids. This is Toxic Free NC's second annual LoveBug fundraiser, and proceeds from the event will support our work to keep toxic pesticides out of North Carolinians' air, water, food and bodies.”
– Ana Duncan Pardo, communications coordinator, Toxic Free North Carolina | toxicfreenc.org
VISUAL ART EXCHANGE: Snapshot, reception 6-9 p.m. Running until Aug. 26. “Snapshot is a non-juried art exhibition that will display unframed photographs. This show is exciting because there is no theme restriction and we will be displaying these works using a unique magnet hanging system.”
— Meredith Burgess, exhibitions coordinator, Visual Art Exchange | visualartexchange.org
RALEIGH CITY MUSEUM: Portraits of Raleigh II, 6-9 p.m. Series One of the exhibit runs until the end of November, with Series Two opening on First Friday, December 3, and running through April.
“Portraits of Raleigh is a unique juried photographic exploration of the capital city. It offers glimpses of Raleigh’s past and present that reiterate the vibrant town we have become today. The great thing about Portraits of Raleigh is that it was open to all people with a camera, and there is a great mix of people who have been shooting for years, and those that only take the occasional photo. Together, this mix photos tells a cohesive story about the many facets of Raleigh, both easily recognizable, and those a little more obscure.”
— Ladye Jane Vickers, curator, Raleigh City Museum | raleighcitymuseum.org
BUSY BEE CAFE: August First Friday with Joseph Williford, 6 p.m. Photography will be featured for the entire month of August.
“On First Friday, come see the world through Joe’s eyes. It’s a casual, yet modern, world fueled by Joe’s love of technology. And Joe will be here to discuss his work with you and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy free drip Counter Culture coffee from 5-10pm while you check it out and then head up to the Hive where Merlin and Spcl Gst will be spinning until 2am.”
—David Lockwood, co-owner, Busy Bee Café/The Hive | busybeeraleigh.com
STITCH: emily millette + jeremy purser and Raleigh Trunk Show - emily millette + jeremy purser 6-10 p.m.; trunk show 7-9 p.m. REBUS@STITCH pieces will be featured for the entire month of August.
"Stitch will be participating in two downtown events. First, Stitch, on the corner on Hargett and Wilmington streets, will have an open house featuring works inspired by the television show 'Twin Peaks' from REBUS@STITCH artist Emily Millette and Jeremy Purser. Also Stitch / Holly Aiken will be participating in the first 'Raleigh Trunk Show 2010' brought to you by the Contemporaries Board of the North Carolina Museum of Art at Flanders Art Gallery in downtown Raleigh. Free wine/beer and apps and 10% OFF for Contemporary Members.”
— Holly Aiken, owner, Stitch
