First Friday

Once every month, things near the Wannish Way entrance to FAMU get a little crazy. Cars line the surrounding blocks, with traffic on Macomb and Railroad moving at a glacial pace. Students and residents alike walk in droves along sidewalks, heading toward the lights, sounds, and culture of Railroad Square Art Park for a night of gallery hopping, food, and fun. This is First Friday.

So what exactly is First Friday? The First Friday Gallery Hop at Railroad Square Art Park, or “First Friday” as it’s commonly called, is a once a month gathering that’s become a favorite of local art and event junkies. First Friday is an evening spent celebrating the park’s modest galleries, shops, and artisan wares amid live music and food sold by local vendors.

    This free night of entertainment allows city residents the chance to do more than just get out of the house. Boasting more than a dozen galleries and studios, Railroad Square showcases everything from paintings and statues to knitted items and elaborate collages. Simply put, there’s literally something for everyone, no matter your age or taste.

Of the dozen galleries showcased during First Friday, Renditions, An Art Space is one of the most impressive. Owned and run by Ned M. Stacey, who also owns the adjoining Cosmic Cat Comics, Renditions is precisely as its name suggests: an art space. As patrons navigate through the massive warehouse space, many are captivated by walls adorned with stunning portraits, photos, and mixed media pieces done by local and national artists.

What does First Friday have to offer besides the art? So much more. In addition to the gallery hopping and art showcases, First Friday also features congregation areas, live music performances, palm readings, dancing, and shopping. Though the event has an art focus, many of the art park’s non art related businesses such as Tallahassee Rock Gym and The Other Side Vintage are also open late into the night, giving potential clientele a chance to check out the variety of services and products offered.

You’re probably thinking that all this entertainment and couldn’t be free, but it is. First Friday is a perfect alternative for students and young professionals who don’t really want to get dressed up and clubbing or may be strapped for cash. Compared to other venues and events that are usually deemed as weekend regulars, First Fridays at Railroad Square offer a truly diverse and creative experience that’s sure to cure any case of Friday night boredom.

For more information on Railroad Square Art Park and First Fridays, visit http://www.railroadsquare.com/index.html or find them on Facebook. For a brief glimpse of First Fridays, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb7y4SwxSPI.

Once every month, things near the Wannish Way entrance to FAMU get a little crazy. Cars line the surrounding blocks, with traffic on Macomb and Railroad moving at a glacial pace. Students and residents alike walk in droves along sidewalks, heading toward the lights, sounds, and culture of Railroad Square Art Park for a night of gallery hopping, food, and fun. This is First Friday.

So what exactly is First Friday? The First Friday Gallery Hop at Railroad Square Art Park, or “First Friday” as it’s commonly called, is a once a month gathering that’s become a favorite of local art and event junkies. First Friday is an evening spent celebrating the park’s modest galleries, shops, and artisan wares amid live music and food sold by local vendors.

    This free night of entertainment allows city residents the chance to do more than just get out of the house. Boasting more than a dozen galleries and studios, Railroad Square showcases everything from paintings and statues to knitted items and elaborate collages. Simply put, there’s literally something for everyone, no matter your age or taste.

Of the dozen galleries showcased during First Friday, Renditions, An Art Space is one of the most impressive. Owned and run by Ned M. Stacey, who also owns the adjoining Cosmic Cat Comics, Renditions is precisely as its name suggests: an art space. As patrons navigate through the massive warehouse space, many are captivated by walls adorned with stunning portraits, photos, and mixed media pieces done by local and national artists.

What does First Friday have to offer besides the art? So much more. In addition to the gallery hopping and art showcases, First Friday also features congregation areas, live music performances, palm readings, dancing, and shopping. Though the event has an art focus, many of the art park’s non art related businesses such as Tallahassee Rock Gym and The Other Side Vintage are also open late into the night, giving potential clientele a chance to check out the variety of services and products offered.

You’re probably thinking that all this entertainment and couldn’t be free, but it is. First Friday is a perfect alternative for students and young professionals who don’t really want to get dressed up and clubbing or may be strapped for cash. Compared to other venues and events that are usually deemed as weekend regulars, First Fridays at Railroad Square offer a truly diverse and creative experience that’s sure to cure any case of Friday night boredom

For more information on Railroad Square Art Park and First Fridays, visit http://www.railroadsquare.com/index.html or find them on Facebook. For a brief glimpse of First Fridays, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb7y4SwxSPI.