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 & where to be and be seen.
LEE HANSLEY GALLERY: Mid-Century Modern, 6-10 p.m. Exhibit runs through September 4.
"This is a must-see show for people interested in mid-century Modernist homes. It features art and design objects from 1925-1975 and was organized by the gallery due to a national revival of interest in that period of architecture, design and art. Some of the furniture pieces are icons of the 20th century, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and Mies van der Rohe. Art by McDonald Bane, George Bireline, Mary Anne K. Jenkins, Joe Cox, Gregory Ivy and others complements the furniture. The same sensibility that informs the architecture and furniture of the time also infuses the art work done in that period."
— Lee Hansley, gallery owner and curator of the exhibition, Lee Hansley Gallery | leehansleygallery.com
VISUAL ART EXCHANGE: 21st Annual N.E.W. Show [Never Exhibited Works], 6-9 p.m. Exhibit runs September 3-23.
"This month, Visual Art Exchange will be displaying the newest, most innovative works never previously exhibited anywhere. Juried by Steven Matijcio, curator of contemporary art at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Winston-Salem, NC. All works have been created within the past year."
— Meredith Burgess, exhibitions coordinator, Visual Art Exchange | visualartexchange.org
ANTFARM STUDIOS: Emissaries, 6-9 p.m. Art may be viewed by appointment during the month of September.
"For the first time in Raleigh, I will show a collection of new and recent works created at Antfarm Studios. These sculptures are a continuation of the work that secured me a 2010 Wingate Fellowship, awarded through the UNC Center for Craft, Creativity & Design. I hope that visitors will enjoy the spectacle and cacophony of this group of emissaries, representatives of artistic intent."
— Benjamin S. Reid, Artist, Antfarm Studios | antfarmstudios.wordpress.com
VINTAGE21: Opening Reception of Constance Pappalardo, 7-10 p.m. Exhibit runs all of September.
"Local artist Constance Pappalardo works mainly in watercolors, but her pieces are anything but traditional. Using many different techniques, she creates a place 'of imagination and magic' through her art. Join us for the opening reception on First Friday at the Gallery at Vintage21, and also enjoy live music by a local bluegrass band."
— Jessica Nickerson, gallery director, Vintage21 | v21firstfriday.wordpress.com
ARTSPACE: Four events
Gallery 1 - New Yet Familiar, featuring printmaking by Oscar Gillespie, the 2010 Artspace Summer Artist-in-Residence, 6-10 p.m. The show ends September 4.
Gallery 2 - Lo Pop Shop, 6-10 p.m. One night only.
Upfront Gallery - Evidence, textile works by Peg Gignoux, 6-10 p.m. The exhibit runs through September 25.
Lobby - Come With Me (We'll Win), featuring paintings by Pete Sack, former Artspace Regional Emerging Artist-in-Residence, 6-10 p.m. The exhibit runs through September 25.
"Artspace is a great stop on your First Friday tour because there is always something new to see. Stop in to visit 25 artists in open-to-the-public artist studios, and, this month, meet exhibiting artists Pete Sack and Peg Gignoux. This First Friday we will also host the second annual Lo Pop Shop, featuring locally made items, including cupcakes, jewelry, clothing, handbags and more!"
— Lia Newman, director of programs & exhibitions, Artspace | artspacenc.org
STITCH: Hosted by the Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, 6-10 p.m. Exhibit on display September 1 through November 30.
"All four front windows of Stitch will feature original mid-century Modern furniture curated by the Gregg--from a stylish, forward-thinking and enduring period of design still relevant today. Stop by to also find one-of-a-kind bags designed and sewn to compliment the show's furniture pieces."
— Holly Aiken, owner, Stitch | hollyaiken.com
ISAAC HUNTER'S OAK CITY TAVERN: An AhPeeling First Friday, 7 p.m.
"Adam Peele will be our featured artist this Friday! He has played a major role in our bar. Our high-top tables and colorful bathrooms are all his work. The piece de resistance will be our new Isaac Hunter's Shirts. We'll also have live music from local band Mystery Sushi."
— Zack Medford, co-owner, Isaac Hunter's Oak City Tavern | huntersoakcity.com
THE MORNING TIMES: Zero Hour, new works by Paul Friedrich, 6-11 p.m. Exhibit runs through September 30.
"Paul Friedrich is as local as it gets! He's one of Raleigh's coolest and most well-known artists. His new work takes a creepy and comic turn, depicting ghouls and goblins flying around and above downtown Raleigh. At our First Friday artist's reception, you'll have a chance to hang out with Paul, while enjoying cheap beer and delicious coffee drinks crafted by our awesome baristas!"
— Casey Porn, general manager, The Morning Times | morningtimes-raleigh.com
