Here in Fayetteville, on the first Thursday of each month, we celebrate. The locals call it First Thursday. The rest of the region calls it “I wish I lived in Fayetteville.”
Of course, when you combine galleries full of original works of art, an outdoor art walk, free live music and movies, a place for the kids to hang out and a charity beer garden for the adults, it’s easy to see why we’re so proud.
Here’s what we know is happening at tonight’s event.
On the square
Two streets will be blocked off around the square to make room for the kids’ zone and beer garden, and nearly 30 artists will be set up along the street including jewelry makers Kate Baer, Eric Young and Pat Bergman.
» See a full list of the art walk artists
Music, a movie and more
Free movie on the square
This month’s official live music is provided by Tiffany Christopher, and the feature film Field of Dreams will be screened at dusk on the plaza of the Fayetteville Town Center. Tip: If you’re planning on watching the movie, bring a lawn chair. Your bottom will thank you.
The New Belgium charity beer garden will also return to the plaza in front of the Town Center, and will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Proceeds from the beer garden will be donated to the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks.
Expect activity at Kathy P. Thompson Studios, Matt Miller studio and various other downtown businesses including Hjem Restaurant and Sound Warehouse which will feature live music from Timmy Lane and The Motha Folkin Soul, as well as local artist Nick Shoulders from 6 to 9 p.m.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. at the Town Center garage and the city lots just off the square.
Fayetteville Underground
As one of the founding galleries of First Thursday, Fayetteville Underground regularly features a set of art exhibition openings during the monthly event. This month will see three individual artists as well as an exhibition featuring graduates of the Florence Academy of Art.
Fayetteville Underground is located in the downstairs section of East Square Plaza.
Graduates of The Florence Academy of Art – Contemporary Classicists
Revolver Gallery
This group show is comprised of six artists from local, national, and international destinations. All are recent graduates of the Florence Academy of Art, a three-year program that specializes in training representational oil painting and drawing techniques, located in Florence, Italy and Göteborg, Sweden.
The selection of work on display demonstrates the technical skills and intensive training, alongside independent styles, concepts, and creativity.
Jennifer Libby Fay – Through a Narrow Place
Vault Gallery
Jennifer Libby Fay will present a solo exhibition of abstract contemporary textile paintings that considers “the miracle of hope and inspiration experienced after a time of transition.”
In her own words: “When we find our way through a heartbreaking time of transition, and stand in our own truth, the purity of our soul is revealed. We emerge from the Narrow Place feeling gratitude for the gift and beauty of life and the healing has begun. This body of work is about my journey Through a Narrow Place of transition and the hope and inspiration I have found in the process.”
Michele Maule – Mise en Place
Hive Gallery
The work of Portland-based artist Michele Maule has been shown throughout the county including New York, California, Ohio, Arkansas, and Oregon.
Maule works in several different mediums including oil painting, collage, printmaking, and illustration.
Most of her work is based on personal life experiences and the relationships she has with the people
around her.
“The things that inspire me are the things that fill my everyday life,” said Maule. “The things that are often overlooked and otherwise passed up, or put aside. These are the things that I like to take into consideration. These are the things that matter most to myself.”
John Sewell – Fem Forms
E Street Gallery
Working with single, often large pieces of wood, Sewell carves free-form sculptural vessels, with designs focused on various expressions of feminine form.
“I carve the outside of a piece and then the inside, leaving a wall of uniform thickness,” said Sewell. “The interior is then charred, and the resulting charcoal sandblasted away, leaving a textured surface that darkens to black when lacquered.”
The exterior is finely sanded and then finished with multiple coats of clear lacquer, each sanded to a fine surface.
