My first experience with First Friday Art Walk happened by accident. My husband and I were meandering around downtown when we noticed Aviles Street was absolutely abuzz. It was like a sweeter New Orleans, or a slightly-Americanized Barcelona. Intrigued, we followed the happy crowd into an art gallery where they browsed, mingled and sipped wine.
We assumed it was a private party and we weren’t invited. When we were graciously welcomed, however, we realized this was the aptly-named First Friday Art Walk. Sponsored by the Art Galleries of St. Augustine (all 25 of them), the free cultural event is held from 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The next one is Feb. 5th.
Aviles Street has about six galleries, with another seven just around the corner along King St. Most galleries are within walking distance of each other (depending on your shoe choice), or you can take a complimentary shuttle on Ripley’s Red Sightseeing Trains or Old Town Trolleys.
The intent is to showcase these diverse, eclectic, gorgeous galleries by producing new exhibits, offering small tasty nibbles, live music, and did I mention there’s wine?
We delighted in hand-made jewelry with the local artist explaining her technique. We watched a talented goldsmith make a unique necklace using sea glass found on the beach. We were awed by stunning photography that made us grateful we live in St. Augustine. We admired pottery, gifts, traditional and contemporary art and fun, funky creations.
By evening’s end, my husband and I had clever conversations with gallery owners and artists and other wandering art lovers. While I didn’t purchase art in the traditional sense, I did end up buying sandals that made my feet look like works of art (well, that and a pedicure). A great night out…
This month the Art Galleries of St. Augustine elected their new officers. Congrats to Ginny Bullard, the newly elected president and co-owner of Amiro Art & Found and Amiro Art + Design. The new VP is Hester Longstreet, co-owner of The Starving Artist Gallery. Marlene Zullig, an artist member of the St. Augustine Fine Gallery, was elected secretary. Pat Hitchcock, an artist with the Starving Artist gallery is the new treasurer. The group offers a gallery guide and an arts magazine.
For more information on the event, visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org
