It’s time for another First Thursday installment and besides the usual incredible setup inside Fayetteville Underground, this month’s outdoor art walk will have a record-setting 34 artists set up along East Avenue.
These events are getting larger and larger and if you haven’t yet checked one out, you really need to get down to the square and see what all the fuss is about. Of course, if you’ve missed all 12 of them even after we’ve continued to sing their praises each month, you might just be immune to fun. If that’s the case, just hit back on your browser. We won’t tell anyone.
Here’s what we know about this month:
Fayetteville Underground
Located in the downstairs section of East Square Plaza, Fayetteville Underground will host three new art exhibitions.
Thomas Petillo – North, West, East, South
Hive Gallery
Thomas Petillo is well known for his intimate portraits of famous musicians produced for record labels, magazines, and ad agencies.
Most recently, however, Petillo’s style has evolved as a result of a series of commissions by Nashville post-rock band Hammock, who asked him to create images for their recordings.
“North, West, East, South” includes photographs Petillo shot while on four photo trips with Hammock from 2004-2009. Aside from the Hive Gallery, the photos are also available in a limited edition, hardback, linen-bound volume included with Hammock’s fourth full-length album “Chasing After Shadows…Living with the Ghosts.”
Jan Gosnell – Past Forward
Vault Gallery
Fayetteville Underground resident member Jan Gosnell teaches painting and drawing at NWACC.
This month, he will be exhibiting a selection of paintings he has completed during the past year. This series of paintings represents a development along a natural path, primarily with regard to the resolution of opposites. This direction is reflected in an attempt to resolve the use of masculine subject matter exhibiting aggressive spatial confrontation with a more sensitive usage of line and a richness of color.
Lin Chen – Paintings
Revolver Gallery
Lin Chen studied Fine Art at the University of Arkansas here in Fayetteville, and received a BFA in 2004, with an emphasis in painting and drawing. She is a volunteer teacher/curator with the Center for Art & Education in Van Buren and is actively involved in the Center’s arts education programs.
“When I set up things to paint,” said Chen, “I have a vague idea about how I want the picture plane divided depending on the shape and attitude of the figure, still life, etc. After spending a brief time looking at the setup, I establish a vision. All I do after that is geared toward realizing that vision.”
Outdoor art walk
Art walk (Experience Fayetteville)
Over thirty artists have been selected to set up on East Avenue for this month’s outdoor art walk including Chris Clanton, Melissa Brawner, and Whitney Johnston.
Want to be on the list? Know of someone who should? Apply online or contact the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau at 521-5776 for an application.
A living sculpture will also be on display during the art walk.
Charity beer garden
The New Belgium charity beer garden will return to the east side of the courtyard in front of the Town Center, and will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. This month’s proceeds from the beer garden will be donated to Pagnozzi Charities.
The 39 Steps
This month, First Thursday has partnered with TheatreSquared to include events promoting the Alfred Hitchcock comic thriller “The 39 Steps” which opens September 3. A trivia contest will be held in the beer garden area with prizes including tickets to the show as well as a Hitchcock-themed performance by the Phunbags comedy improv group.
The music
The official First Thursday music will be provided by Siloam Springs musician Cass Harris.
Just down the street at Sound Warehouse, local musicians Stacy Liles and Jr. Soapbox are tentatively set to play.
Volunteer appreciation
Starting at 5:30 p.m., the City of Fayetteville will honor volunteers during a special presentation on the south side of the Fayetteville square.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan and several local organizations will be in attendance to provide tokens of appreciation for community volunteers. The mayor will also issue a proclamation declaring the month of September 2010 “Volunteer Month” in Fayetteville.
Expect free refreshments and sidewalk chalk activities for the kids.
For more information on First Thursday Fayetteville, visit firstthursdayfayetteville.com or call the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau at 479-521-5776.
