Downtown Aurora First Friday event Oct. 3
You never know what you'll see at First Fridays in Downtown Aurora, and this October is no different. From artists dealing with the subject of death to delicate pressed flowers on display, several downtown venues are open with art, food and fun on Friday, Oct. 3.
"Mixed Media Expressions" featuring collages by artist Barbara Hansen opens at Allen and Pepa Architects, 121 W. Benton St. The studio is open from 5 to 9 p.m. The Aurora Public Library will hold a news conference about the new Children's Nature Garden at the new library at 5 p.m. Artwork will be on display through Nov. 21.
The ArtBar is celebrating all that must pass in the "Death Show." The ArtBar in the tavern at Two Brothers Roundhouse features more than two dozen local artists for one night only. Visit the ArtBar from 6 p.m. to midnight.
If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Ave., is open with new work from the Aurora Art League from 7 to 11 p.m. Original works from over a dozen artists will be on display. The popular downtown gallery welcomes guests with free drinks, appetizers, and good times. Local musicians will perform at an open mic hosted by Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd. from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy acoustic, family-friendly performances.
The Aurora Historical Society at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, is launching a new book, David B. Hipp's "Reflections on the Transformation of Industrial Aurora." A champagne toast and book signing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre's Grand Gallery will host a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. featuring aspiring artists from Waubonsee Community College in the East Gallery and artist Rafael Rocha in the West Gallery. Located on the second floor, the exhibit will hang through Oct. 31.
SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St. is open from 6 to 8 p.m. with free fun for the whole family. Local works of art along with art stations are set up during the evening.
Bad Monkey Circus Agency and Unruly Brands, located at Aurora Business Center, 31 W. Downer Place, will host a First Fridays event in the first floor lobby from 5 to 9 p.m. Beverages and snacks will be served. Clothing, art, and music videos created by local artists will be on display.
Green Buddha Life Sustainability Center and EcoArts Gallery, 205 W. Galena Blvd., is open from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with the "Art of Sun Deep." Artist Sundeepa Kaur of River Forest brings her curiosity and her understanding of the elements of nature to her fragile, foliage art. Starting at 7 p.m., the gallery welcomes visitors with a paid entrance fee for mediation and crystal bowl sound meditation.
River's Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer Place, will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. with music on the back deck starting at 7 p.m.
First Fridays in Downtown Aurora invites the community to enjoy art, music, food, theater, and more on the first Friday of the month. All events are free and art is for sale. For information and for a map of participating venues, visit www.auroradowntown.org.