First Friday Art Walk Expands to Art Trek

Beginning with this month's first Friday, August 6, tomorrow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the monthly event expands from the First Friday Art Walk, featuring two of the galleries in Olde Town Spirit Lake...

1) Hank Hall Art on 16th, www.hankhallarton16th.com
2) A Piece of Work, Inc.: Emporium of Original Art, www.apieceofworkinc.com

...To the First Friday Art Trek. The trek includes both of the aforementioned galleries plus four more for a total of six participating locations. There's the addition of one more studio in Olde Town Spirit Lake...

3) Lissa Potter and Tootie Powers at Art & Beer, sharing space with Barbara Wells at Studio-Ten-Fifty, Edward Jones Building, 1720 Hill Ave., (no web site)

Plus there's the Iowa Great Lakes region's original gallery...

4) Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) in Okoboji, www.lakesart.org

And there are two galleries in Olde Town Arnolds Park...

5) Side Street Gallery and Frame Shoppe, www.okobojiimages.com
6) Wine Bar and Art Gallery, www.winebarandartgallery.com

Apparently there's been talk of a shuttle to transport people to the different locations. I don't know if those plans ever materialized, but even if they have, I think I'm going to stick with my car so I can observe my own schedule.

I hope some of you can join me tomorrow evening! You can track me down at any time via my new mobile phone, 712-339-7015. Here's my very tentative itinerary...

Friday, August 6, 2010, 5:30-7:30 p.m., First Friday Art Trek
Most times are approximates
5:30 p.m., Visit galleries in Olde Town Spirit Lake
6:00 p.m., Artist's Talk by Joleen Dentlinger, A Piece of Work, Inc.
6:30 p.m., Dinner at restaurant in either Olde Town Spirit Lake or Olde Town Arnolds Park, location to be determined by whomever I'm with at the time
7:30 p.m., Visit galleries in Olde Town Arnolds Park
8:00 p.m., Live music by Amber Norgard, Wine Bar and Art Gallery

Not to ignore the PLAC in Okoboji, but I'm so active with the PLAC, and I spend so much time there year-round that I consider it one of my "homes away from home." As such, I don't feel the need to visit during the newly expanded First Friday Art Trek. If you don't spend much time there, however, this will be an excellent opportunity to visit the PLAC.

Speaking of the PLAC, don't forget that the following day, Saturday, August 7, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is the annual PLAC Art in the Park, Preservation Plaza, Historic Arnolds Park, www.arnoldspark.com. The event is free and open to the public. My volunteer shift at the PLAC table is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., but I'll probably be there most of the afternoon enjoying the annual event.

In closing, for more information, here's a news release from Haley Isder, Gallery Director and Artist Rep. for A Piece of Work, Inc....

In a message dated 7/24/2010 8:07:51 A.M. Central Daylight Time, prophit@qwestoffice.net writes:

<< FIRST FRIDAY ART CELEBRATION EXPANDS TO INCLUDE 6 GALLERIES

Started by Hank and Sheryl Hall (Art on 16th) in 2007, then joined by A Piece of Work, Inc. in 2008, the First Friday Art Walks have become a popular monthly tradition in Olde Town Spirit Lake. Art on 16th (709 16th Street in Spirit Lake) has original works of art from 15 different artists, as well as demonstrations and art classes for people of all ages. A Piece of Work, Inc. (1619 Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake) has the work of 33 regional artists, as well as art supplies and classes taught by the Member Artists.

In an effort to expand this evening of art, artists, enthusiasts, food, drink, and fun, four more galleries will be participating starting with the August 6, 2010 event. Joining Art on 16th and A Piece of Work, Inc. will be Lissa Potter,Barbara Wells and Tootie Powers (studio/gallery), the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Side Street Gallery and Framing, and the Wine Bar and Art Gallery. All locations will be open to the public from 5:30-7:30pm that evening.

Lissa Potter, Barbara Wells and Tootie Powers, all very talented artists, share an upstairs studio/gallery space in the Edward Jones building located at 1720 Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake. The two artists moved into the space earlier this year, and are excited to participate in the First Friday Art Walks.

The Pearson Lakes Art Center's mission is to "broaden horizons through the arts." Located at 2201 Highway 71 in North Okoboji, there are 3 main components to the Center: performance arts, visual arts, and arts education. Now First Fridays will be one more event each month to add to the Center's already extensive list!

Side Street Gallery and Framing is in the Art District of Arnolds Park. At 28 Allen Avenue, the Gallery is behind Smokin' Jakes. There you can find prints and photos from 30 artists, as well as scheduled artist demonstrations and framing by Mari Stewart.

The Wine Bar and Art Gallery, located at 139 West Broadway Street in Arnolds Park, is also joining in on the First Friday fun! They host the work of 10 local artists in their gallery. Enjoy food, drink, and unique atmosphere -- as well as live music! Every Friday night through the summer season, the Wine Bar has musicians scheduled to play.

It is hoped that for future First Friday Events arrangements can be made to have transportation available to shuttle participants from location to location. Watch for upcoming First Friday Art TREK. >>

Thank you for your time! Please support the arts!