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:
LOCAL COLOR GALLERY: Visiting the Edge, 6-9 p.m. Runs Feb. 3-26.
“Artists 'Visit the Edge' at local color Gallery with interpretations of the theme Visiting the Edge by award-winning contemporary artist Jeanne Bessette and gallery member Jamie Miller. This is a great experience to visit and speak directly to the artist. In addition, LCG will be featuring a Wake County High School Student Show.”
— Adrien Montoya, manager, local color Gallery | localcoloraleigh.com
MARBLES: First Friday at Marbles and Be a Star!, museum is open until 8 p.m.
“Enjoy an evening of play and adventure. At 6:00pm and 7:00pm, Be a Star … Family GLEE! Grab the whole family and dance, sing and act with North Carolina Theatre’s Live On Stage workshop! Learn a choreographed routine and perform … Lights, Camera, Action! Be a Star! is sponsored by Wells Fargo.”
— Heather Rook, communications coordinator, Marbles | marbleskidsmuseum.org
NICOLE’S STUDIO AND ART GALLERY: Colorful Impressions, featuring artists Kim Maselli, Catherine Martin and Kelly Frost, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Runs through March 25. “This exhibit features the works of three local contemporary impressionists who are known for their colorful interpretations on canvas—from scenic North Carolina to travels abroad. Kim, Catherine and Kelly all have numerous works in both corporate and private collections throughout the region. Come and check out this creative and color-filled exhibit opening First Friday!”
— Nicole White Kennedy, owner, Nicole’s Studio and Art Gallery | nicolestudio.com
VISUAL ART EXCHANGE: Small Works, 6-9 p.m. Runs from Feb. 4-24.
“Small Works will feature little art with a big impact! All 2D and 3D works are eight inches or less; so check out Visual Art Exchange on First Friday, February 4, to see small works!”
— Meredith Burgess, exhibitions director, Visual Art Exchange | visualartexchange.org
DESIGNBOX: Raleigh is for the Birds with featured artist Adam Peele, 7-10 p.m. Runs through February.
“Local fashion designer, screenprinter and artist, Adam Peele will be showcasing a fun collection of his art on wood blocks at Designbox. Designbox also has what is becoming the iconic RALEIGH-love T-shirt, designed by Adam, to celebrate the beginning of the Designbox year-round gallery shop. Drop by to see and wear the flora and fauna of Adam’s artwork.”
— Adam Peele, featured artist for February First Friday at designbox | designbox.us
ISAAC HUNTER’S OAK CITY TAVERN: “Doodle’s by Doodle” series Art Opening, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
“Back to basics! My love for art began like most artists doodling when I was bored in school. This series is titled ‘doodles by doodle,’ and will be just that. Music will be provided by Amy Echstenkamper and the Clay Pigeons. It will be one big party with the three best things in life: art, music and alcohol.”
— Megan Gulledge, featured artist at Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern | huntersoakcity.com
SPIRITWORKS ART: SpiritWorks Opening at the Carter Building, 6 - 9:30 p.m. Runs through Feb. 28.
“I see creativity as a path to uncovering the healing and peace that lie beyond the surface of everyday experiences. My art, as well as the workshops I lead, reflect a process of surrendering to intuition and guidance. At this opening, visitors are invited to try Touch Drawing, a method of finger-painting where paper is placed on top of a fine surface of oil paint (www.touchdrawing.com). Since the painting takes place unseen, the results are always surprising and fun. People of all ages delight in discovering their inner artist!”
— Rev. Donna Belt, founder, SpiritWorks | spiritworksonline.com
DAPPER STYLE HOUSE: Dapper’s “Make A Wish” First Friday Benefit, 8 - 11 p.m. All the donated stars will become a fixture in our store for the month of February, as a backdrop behind our mannequins in the storefront window.
“Join us for First Friday at Dapper Style House for an event benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation! Dapper Style House is a boutique & bar located in downtown Raleigh. We will have free munchies from The Oxford Gastropub, $5 Absolut drink specials, deals and giveaways for all attendees and a fun art-related fundraiser for Make-A-Wish. Dapper will have three different sizes of stars available for a donation of $5, $10 or $25 to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Any guest who purchases a star can then decorate it with plenty of free supplies, courtesy Jerry’s Artarama.”
— Tara Zechini, director of marketing, Dapper Style House | dapperstylehouse.com
BEEHIVE STUDIOS: Ideal to Real — the works of Marwen El Hicheri & Thomas Miller, two triangle artists creating their world on canvas, 6 - 10 p.m. Live music at 8 p.m. with Johnny Swank. Runs from Feb. 4 - March 1.
"Beehive Studios is nested on the third floor of Father & Son Antiques. Experiencing an art opening at Beehive presents a new set of opportunities. Browse Father & Son Antiques and find one of the best selections of mid-century antiques in the Triangle. Visit Southern Swank for the coolest clothing, accessories, art and oddities. Go up one floor to second floor Vintage and shop 2000 square feet of vintage clothing, furniture and household items. Finally, make your way to the third floor and take in Beehive Studios as we host locally grown art. Beehive has seven house artists occupying studio space and features new art openings in the gallery section on the First Friday of each month. Our openings host live music showcasing local talent starting at 8PM on the main floor of Father & Sons."
— Jeff Magner, manager, Beehive Studios | Beehive Studios on Facebook
