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Susan Rowland
ABC15.com
If you’re looking for a fun way to meet people while escaping the negative effects of the economy, downtown Phoenix may be just the place.
A free monthly art walk, called
“First Friday” draws record crowds to downtown Phoenix, and the sales help to support the community.
It's held on the first Friday of every month from 6-10 p.m.
Vibrant art pieces, local vendors and handmade jewelry line the streets of the Art District every month. Bars and restaurants carry fresh, homemade menu items and drinks, while local bands fill the space with their creative sounds.
“First Friday is one of the largest free monthly art walks in the United States, attracting a diverse audience of over 15,000 people,” said Greg Esser, artist and co-owner of Made Art Boutique.
He is also the recent recipient of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art’s Contemporary Catalyst award.
“It’s a wonderful social event…where people learn and experience art of all kinds,” says Kyle Jordre, artist and owner of Jordre Studio.
He was recently nominated for Arizona Artist of the year and the 2009 Governor’s Arts Awards.
The event is located throughout multiple areas in downtown Phoenix.
The center of
Roosevelt Row, and Made Art Boutique, can be found at the corner of Roosevelt Street and Fifth Street.
Lee Berger, artist and owner of The Phix Gallery, says, “It’s great for the community…I’ve been trying to get people to come out for years…I hope it continues to get bigger.”
If you'd like to get from place-to-place on one of the free event shuttles, those begin at the First Friday's headquarters at the Phoenix Art Museum.
