Downtown venues host First Fridays in Aurora
This fall, First Fridays in Downtown Aurora is bigger and better. Stop by several downtown venues and find not only art, but also specials and extended hours on Friday, Nov. 7.
It's the "Black and White" show at the ArtBar this month. 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. The musical group Mutts will perform.
If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Ave., is open with work from Aurora artist Steven DuCharme from 7 to 11 p.m. The show is DuCharme's first solo show in the city. DuCharme is a mixed-media artist and recently showed work at the ArtBar and Alley Art Festival.
Chris Evans is back once again at Yetee Gallery, 110 Cross St. This time, Evans is hosting a party, complete with cake. After spending the last year gifting friends with marker and crayon portraits, the Aurora artist will have on display more than 60 of his blind contour birthday drawings. The show is from 7 to 11 p.m., but arrive early for a piece of cake.
Local musicians will perform at an open mic hosted by Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd., from 6 to 8 p.m. Musicians are invited to sign up starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Attendees can enjoy acoustic, family-friendly performances.
The David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. with various activities, including the History Mystery guessing game sponsored by Aurora Historical Society.
Patrons are welcome to shop the Museum Store on the first floor and visit the Invitational Show on the third floor of the historic building.
The Light of the Heart is celebrating a recent move down the street. Join the nonprofit art therapy group as they welcome visitors to an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. at 52 W. Downer Place.
Paramount Theatre's Grand Gallery will host a reception from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring the botanical drawings of Mary K. Hyatt, oil pastels from Feng Biddle and mixed media works from George Bruce. Located on the second floor, the exhibit will hang through the end of November.
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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, 70 S. River St., will host a First Fridays event in the first-floor lobby from 6 to 9 p.m. Local fiber artist Teresa Millies will display her magical dreamcatchers and other crocheted items.
Green Buddha Life Sustainability Center and Eco-Arts Gallery, 205 W. Galena Blvd., is open with artists showing in the gallery from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Starting at 8 p.m., with a paid admission, gong guru Andre Peraza will perform.
River's Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer Place, will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. The cafe also is celebrating its grand reopening and will offer specials and more.
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 more information, a list of specials, and for a map of participating venues, visit www.auroradowntown.com.