The first Friday of every month, Downtown Raleigh showcases its art, music and food during its First Friday Gallery Walk. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but venues’ hours may vary. It’s a free self-guided tour and a chance to visit art galleries, studios, alternative art venues and more.
Museums stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Live music is plentiful and many restaurants and retailers offer specials. Look for the First Friday flags to identify participating venues.
Here’s a First Friday map.
Here’s some of what’s happening Friday, April 5th, 2019. The following descriptions were provided by the venues.
See all of the events and get the addresses and more information here.
APRIL SHOWERS @ LOCAL COLOR GALLERY
Exhibition Dates: Apr 5-Apr 27
“April Showers” Local Color Gallery presents “April Showers”, events from the perspective of acrylic artist Margo White. Come meet and interact directly with the artists this First Friday. On view through April 27th.
ART WORKSHOP: FIGURATIVE OIL PAINTING WITH DAN BECK @ THE CENTERPIECE
Exhibition Dates: Apr 3-Apr 5
Dan’s workshop will focus on a loose intuitive approach to painting the figure subject, whether the full figure or from the shoulders up, exploring other ways to see will be discussed using the painter’s language of line, shape, value, color, texture and edges! This workshop helps students simplify intent and learn how to use essential visual elements to give your paintings both direction and the “reason to be”. By helping you to understand and execute the importance of the six elements, your experience in painting the figure will be enhanced by not only integrating these concepts, but then giving you the freedom to taking it a step beyond and tap into your intuitive side.
BASEMENT BATTLE ART COMPETITION: FIRST FRIDAY @ IMURJ – THE ARTISTS’ CAFE
Catch 2 rounds of artists, armed with nothing but black markers, as they battle to create the coolest work possible within a 45 minute time-limit, on a 3×3 foot panel. The theme for each round will be revealed seconds before the start of the round so fast thinking and fast working is important! Help us cheer them on and then vote for the winners of each round! All the art will be hung immediately after the battle, and will be on display for the month of April and available for sale throughout the month (while they last)!
Artists Participating are: Kristin DeBockler: @Brutalsquid on IG Mac Taylor: @fun_or_quit on IG Nick Osetek: @nbosetek on IG Amanda Carbo: @carbo_creations on IG Brandon Mckay: @studio_m_of_raleigh on IG Trey Ansley III: @guruism on IG Sarahlaine Calva: @sarahsface on IG Britt Flood: B.l.flood on IG Basement Battle Round 2 is sponsored by Bishops. Bishops is a supporter of local arts & artist entrepreneurs – be sure to stop by and check them out!
BEST OF NORTH CAROLINA 2019 @ GALLERY C
Exhibition Dates: Mar 30-May 14
The much anticipated annual exhibition “The Best of North Carolina” will open in March at Gallery C. Gallery owner and art historian Charlene Newsom employs her broad knowledge of North Carolina art to curate an extensive collection. All of the work exhibited are landmark pieces by important North Carolina artists. Some of the biggest names and best North Carolina art from the 19th and 20th Centuries are included in this year’s show.
CITY GALLERY ART OPENING: LAYER OF DIGNITY GROUP SHOW @ THE CITY GALLERY
City Gallery is proud to present a group show in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and support of Layers Of Dignity, a Raleigh non-profit that provides tote bags to sexual assault survivors through emergency rooms and women’s advocacy centers. Light refreshments will be provided, and all proceeds from sales of artwork from over a dozen artists will go directly to Layers Of Dignity. City Gallery is located in the 1880 Room of Vintage Church Downtown, at 118 S. Person Street.
DREAM-LAND: RICHARD LUND @ ARTSPACE
Richard Lund’s new series of paintings explores the precarious nature of contemporary life. Exhibition Dates: April 5 – 27
EXPOSED: NUDES IN ART 2019 @ LITMUS GALLERY & STUDIOS
Image Credit Chad Hughes “Man in Chair” Exposed: Nudes in Art 2019 – An annual juried exhibit featuring 27 local artists. Throughout history, representation of the human form has been charged with tremendous energy, both positive and negative. Whether a taboo or a revelation of mastery over form and expression, crafting life-like human figures has appealed to us. We use the human nude to master skill, understand ourselves, and push social and psychological buttons. Our goal for our annual exhibit, Exposed: Nudes in Art is to discover how today’s artists explore and represent the human form.
FIRST FRIDAY AT BISHOPS WITH ARTIST HOLLY NICOLAZZO @ BISHOPS
Join us as we host artist Holly Nicolazzo in our shop. Her art will be available for viewing and purchase. Wine and beer will also be available for those over 21.
FIRST FRIDAY AT RALEIGH UNION STATION @ RALEIGH UNION STATION
First Friday Event Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Union Station and Union Station Plaza will host creative art activities and performances for the First Friday Gallery Walk on April 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy food trucks and Bubly samples provided by Pepsi Bottling Ventures.
Union Station Plaza
Capital City Steppers 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
DJ SPCLGST: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
House of Swank: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Poetry Fox: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Supergraphic Print Lab: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Union Station Inside
Hank & Pattie: 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Nate Shaffer, Glas “Raleigh” Installation: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m
FIRST FRIDAY JAZZ @ IRREGARDLESS CAFE @ IRREGARDLESS CAFÉ & CATERING
Come listen to Stephen Anderson @ Irregardless. Learn more about their music at www.reverbnation.com/artiststephenanderson Every First Friday, Irregardless Cafe hosts live jazz and cocktails starting at 6:30pm. Come join the fun with appetizers, hand-crafted cocktails, and jazz artists from around the country.
FIRST FRIDAY MUSIC: ADAM LEE DECKER @ CIRCA 1888
Join us for live music from Adam Lee Decker after your First Friday art walk. Show is free with your one-time, $1 Circa 1888 membership.
FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION W/ DESIGNER HARRY NOLAN @ RETRO MODERN FURNISHINGS
First Friday Event Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Join us to meet the artist and to celebrate the work of local designer, Harry Nolan! He will have the store filled with his beautiful sculptural vases for the evening.
His series of functional objects were created as unique sculptural works of art. Through the interplay of different shapes, color and light, the viewer’s awareness of positive and negative space is heightened. These works are symbols that hold their presence, relating to, and engaging the world around them. Each vase is a marker, meant to be enjoyed as a singular work or as a family group that bring life and relevance to the joy of our position in the material world we inhabit.
FIRST FRIDAY WITH BETHANY STUDNICKY @ ERA DREAM LIVING REALTY
We’re stoked to have Bethany Studnicky of B. Stud Art as our featured local artist for First Friday Raleigh in April! You’ll be blown away by her stunning art pieces! Come meet the artist, have a drink, and enjoy a fantastic night in downtown Raleigh celebrating the local creative scene. We’ll have our doors open from 6-9pm.
FIRST FRIDAY | SAAD MASOOD @ THE ART OF STYLE
Please give our newest artist + photographer, Saad Masood a big ‘ole ART OF STYLE warm welcome as he showcases his newest exhibition: ‘Juncture’. ___________ ”
Saad fell in love with Photography his junior year of high school. Since then, through various travels and cultural experiences, he has tried to capture stories through his photography. ‘Juncture’ shines a light on simple moments that we may not notice, or could take for granted, in our busy lives. There is minimal editing, and every picture represents a story through contrast.
Be sure to join us The First Friday in April from 6-9pm at the boutique to meet and greet with Saad, sip on drinks, and do some spring shopping (at 20% off!).
FIRST FRIDAY | SPRING EXHIBITIONS @ CAM RALEIGH (CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM)
April First Friday celebrates CAM’s Spring exhibitions: Raleigh Fine Arts Society: North Carolina Artists Exhibition 2019 Jasmine Best: Screened In Stephen Hayes: Legacy, Legacy, Legacy Meet the artists | Exhibition tours | Middle School Docents | All ages Creation Station | Music by kward | Beverages | Food Truck
GREAT AND SMALL @ V L REES GALLERY
Exhibition Dates: Apr 5-Apr 27
It’s critter month. Come see all the creatures, bright and beautiful, great and small. Meet the artist during First Friday, April 5, from 6 to 9 pm.
HARRINGTON ST CYCLE TRACK POP-UP @ CRANK ARM BREWING
The City of Raleigh and Oaks and Spokes have partnered to produce and program Raleigh’s first our first cycle track, a separated bike facility that makes it easier and safer to ride in Downtown Raleigh. The cycle track will be on Harrington Street between Davie and Morgan. We will have many programs and events throughout the weekend. Activities include:
Bike decoration station at CAM Raleigh hosted by Downtown Raleigh Alliance | Friday April 5 | 6PM – 8PM
Crank Arm Group Ride | Friday April 5 | 6PM | Meet at Crank Arm
IN THE ARCHES, WE CAVE – MARIAM STEPHAN @ ARTSPACE
Mariam Stephan’s monochromatic paintings, drawings and digital projections investigate the enormity of external forces in contrast to smaller, internal, and more fragile ones. Stephan describes her work “as meditations on loss, and testimonials to places and states that are disappearing or no longer exist.” Exhibition Dates: February 15 – April 6
INTRO TO GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR ADULTS @ READ WITH ME | A CHILDREN’S BOOK & ART SHOP
For teachers, parents, librarians, and other interested adults: Curious about the appeal of graphic novels? Join us Friday April 5 at 6:30pm to explore graphic novels as children’s literature. We’ll talk art styles, layout choices, scripts, characters, and more for an in-depth look at this increasingly visible storytelling medium. Date: April 5 6:30pm to 8:00pm (approximately) Light snacks and drinks provided. RSVP to christine@readwithme.us for a 10% coupon to use that evening.
INTRODUCING THE DESSERT BURGER – GELATO BURGER AT AMORINO! @ AMORINO GELATO AL NATURALE
GELATO BURGER: A gourmet dessert version of the burger has arrived at Amorino Raleigh! We are bringing in a gourmet treat to Amorino, our gelato burger is surely a new twist to dessert. Come and try it at Amorino Raleigh!
LINCOLN FIRST FRIDAY – ART, POP UP SHOP, FRESH MADE FOOD, & SPIRITS @ THE LINCOLN APARTMENTS
First Friday at The Lincoln Raleigh Art by Janelle Piotrowski – Fresh made food by Big Erv BBQ – Pop up shop by Raleigh Vintage – Local Beer & Wine
LIVE MUSIC @ HIBERNIAN ON GLENWOOD @ HIBERNIAN IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
Live music at the Hibernian! Different bands each weekend, full menu and kitchen open until 2am. Drink specials every weekend and patio upstairs is always open!
MEET THE ARTISTS! FIRST FRIDAY @ DECO RALEIGH
Join us for an evening of shopping with some of our local artists. Guests include Adornments by Anousone, Amy May Pop Art, Jillian Ohl, TYLRE Paper, and more! Come meet the makers and enjoy wine and light snacks.
NATIONAL PRINT INVITATIONAL @ ARTSPACE
Exhibition Dates: Feb 1-Apr 6
Curated by Bill Fick + Judy Jones Printmaking remains one of the most relevant visual art forms practiced today. The National Print Invitational exhibition celebrates the astonishing technical breadth of the field, its deep history, perpetual innovation and unique ability to communicate prescient social and political ideas. Artspace is celebrating printmaking this spring through exhibitions, print demos, artist talks, and workshops to offer additional layers of interest and engagement for visitors. A free Printmaking Demo with Bill Fick + Local Printmakers will happen SAT. Feb 23, 1-3pm.
NEW WORKS BY AUBREY DENIS @ PERSONIFY
On Friday, April 5th, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, Personify is pleased to present, New Works by photographer Aubrey Denis as part of the First Friday Art Walk. Aubrey Denis is a visual artist exploring the medium of film photography and it’s integral relation to emotion. Through the themes of youth, music, and connections of all kinds, she pilots a personal pursuit of artifacting the inner lives of artists, musicians, lovers, and friends alike. Denis describes the show as “an exploration of youth, the visual relationship between sonics + movement, and a journey through connection’s many forms.” You can follow Denis on social media platforms under @aubreydenis. Dj Triple B will provide a soundtrack based on the artist, and her work. Light refreshments will be provided.
NORTH STATE BANK – WINE & ART @ NORTH STATE BANK
We will be hosting a Wine Tasting with The Wine Feed and an art exhibit by Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild. Please stop by for our very first participation in First Fridays and enjoy the beautiful art and find a new wine!
OUR FAMILIES’ TREASURES: STORIES FROM MOORE SQUARE MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL @ CITY OF RALEIGH MUSEUM
The City of Raleigh Museum and Moore Square Magnet Middle School 8th grade class will open the newest exhibit Our Families’ Treasures with an opening reception from 6-9pm on April 5th. This exhibit focuses on the important objects that each student has in their life and tells the story of their families. From stories of war, migration, love, and even a look to the future, the 8th grade students at Moore Square will show you how one object can represent an entire story.
SHE LIKES BLUE @ 311 GALLERY
Exhibition Dates: Apr 4-Apr 27
SHE LIKES BLUE celebrates the use of blue as a primary color by artists Judy Abrahams, Jillian Goldberg, Mary Louise Ravese, and Vicki Rees. Their photographs and paintings are infectious; they celebrate the beauty of our life and our land.
SPRING SPOTLIGHT SERIES: KIM MASELLI & DAN BECK @ THE CENTERPIECE
The Centerpiece’s Spring Spotlight Series will highlight two North Carolina artists – Kimberlee Maselli and Dan Beck, complemented by a small selection of works from artists both local and national. This show will feature new works by Dan Beck and will highlight a use of bold colors in a variety of art styles. We’ll host a formal opening of the series on First Friday, April 5th from 6-8pm.
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