• What: First Friday Art Walk.
• When: 5-9 p.m. Jan. 7.
• Where: Multiple locations in downtown Vancouver. A map of participating retailers and galleries is at http://vdausa.org/pdf/Artwalk2010-12.pdf.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: Vancouver’s Downtown Association, 360-258-1129.
Vancouver art galleries are going out of their way to offer warm welcomes for people who brave the cold weather on Jan. 7.
Venues such as Art on the Boulevard, Aurora Gallery, North Bank Artists Gallery, Angst Gallery and Hidden Gallery will stay open late for the first First Friday Art Walk — which runs 5 to 9 p.m. — of the new year.
“This is a good and inexpensive way to spend a Friday night. It’s fun and free,” said Kevin Weaver, gallery director of Art on the Boulevard. “It’s a great opportunity to come out and support the local businesses and artists, and enjoy the live music and treats.”
• What: First Friday Art Walk.
• When: 5-9 p.m. Jan. 7.
• Where: Multiple locations in downtown Vancouver. A map of participating retailers and galleries is at <a href="http://vdausa.org/pdf/Artwalk2010-12.pdf">http://vdausa.org/pdf/Artwalk2010-12.pdf</a>.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: Vancouver's Downtown Association, 360-258-1129.
And if the weather is a deterrent, remember that those treats often include warm beverages.
Though summer months often draw bigger crowds, the Art Walk continues on the first Friday of every month, rain or shine.
“It’s still a festive atmosphere,” said Elizabeth Steinbaugh of Aurora Gallery. “We go year-round, so we have to bear with it in January and February.”
Bundling will help art aficionados stay warm, though most gallery owners and directors suggest visitors won’t have to put up too much of a fight to enjoy a nice evening out with the arts.
Most of the galleries are within very short walking distances from each other. Galleries Angst, Aurora and North Bank are on Main Street, and Hidden Gallery and Art on the Boulevard are on Evergreen Boulevard. Other galleries are nearby.
Even so, North Bank Artists Gallery manager Kathi Rick suggests coats and gloves for everyone in the family.
Walking shoes and umbrellas are also must-haves, said Leah Jackson, owner of Angst Gallery.
Once properly attired, prepare to enjoy the art, and the food and conversation.
North Bank Artists Gallery is opening with a continuation of the miniature show, in which all artwork is 8 inches by 8 inches or smaller. It is one place that also offers art good enough to eat — and for free.
Gallery members bring food, usually homemade, to share with the public, Rick said. “The food is an artistic statement in and of itself.”
“Art is personal for each and every individual,” said Drew Parsons, who runs Hidden Gallery. “People come out to see the different stuff in hopes that they find something that they like, whether it’s new artists or artwork that they haven’t seen before.”
The gallery also shares its space with Bella’s Courtyard Café, which offers foods and beverages to keep guests warm as they walk through galleries.
Angst Gallery is featuring an exhibit by Dale Strouse titled “Hidden Clark County.” The photos capture local mysteries. The gallery will disclose the locations of the mysteries later in the month. The gallery also will feature a salon-style exhibition of the male form.
Angst owner Jackson also owns Niche Wine & Art, connected to the back of the gallery. Once there, visitors can sip a glass of wine in the new bar.
With so much to see, North Bank’s Rick said, she encourages art aficionados to brave the elements.
“You can stay home and sit in front of the television set, or you can come out and socialize,” Rick said. “Instead of having to go to Portland, you’ve your very fine art in downtown Vancouver, so you don’t have to go very far.”
