Aurora's First Fridays shows off local photography, historic Leland Tower
Visit The Studio at 46 West to view works on display by some of the area's talented photographers as part of First Fridays in Downtown Aurora on March 4.
A group of local artists who represent a range of contemporary styles: landscape, portraits, architecture, abstraction, and more. The artists will be on hand to discuss their work and the world of photography.
Featured photographers include Jason DeLancey, Jean Hess, Bob Lockwood, Susan Moody, John Smith, and Mike Smith.
Stop into the show and receive a discount coupon good for that evening at Gillerson's Grubbery.
First Fridays, a night of art, music, and culture at a variety of venues in downtown Aurora, also features a pop-up shop, an open mic, candy-making, and several art openings.
Pick up a free First Fridays passport at any venue for a full map of participating venues. Return the punched passport at the last venue visited for a chance to win a First Fridays goody bag filled with gifts from downtown businesses.
In March, the following venues are open for First Fridays.
• Emergent at Metropolitan Coworking, 14 W. Downer Place, hosts Beautiful Parallels, a duo show featuring artists Juan Sepulveda and Gerardo Madrigal from 6 to 9 p.m.
• David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, offers three floors of exhibits. Aurora Historical Society presents "Bundled Up," an exhibit of historic winter clothing on the first floor, and "Aurora Story" on the second floor. Aurora Public Art Commission hosts an art opening on the third floor from 6 to 9 p.m.
• The Light of the Heart, 52 W. Downer Place, opens Eclectic Echoes, a solo show highlighting the work of Desireé Franklin from 7 to 9 p.m.
• The Studio at 46 West, 46 W. New York St., features the work of local photographers from 7 to 10 p.m.
• Gillerson's Grubbery, 33 W. New York St., welcomes Eric Hobbs of Penrose Brewing for its first Meet the Founder evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
• If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Ave., opens One-Offs and Prototypes, a solo show with work by craftsman Boyd Allen from 7 to 11 p.m.
• Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd., hosts open mic on First Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.
• The ArtBar at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, features "The Cat Show," a pop-up art show featuring local artists. perform in the tavern. 6 p.m. to midnight.
• River's Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer Place, is open with food, art, and music. The Elf Shop is on hand with handmade jewelry from 6 to 9 p.m.
• HealthMarkets, 40 W. Downer Place, features the art of Tom Mahady from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Sophisticated You, a hair salon at 57 S. Broadway, is holding an open house with several evening specials from 7 to 10 p.m.
• SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St., is open with free admission plus fun craft stations from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Pop Up Shop, 7 S. Stolp Ave., features more than a dozen vendors on the second floor of the historic Leland Tower. Blue Bird Beat Cafe will also be open from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Waubonsee Community College, 18 S. River St., hosts Poetry Out Loud with El Trio kicking off the night from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• PME Cake Supplies, 35 N. Broadway, is open with a candy treats demo and sale from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Mausoleum Gallery, 213 S. River St., is open with art, glass blowing, music, and hundreds of glass pieces on display from noon to 8 p.m.
Free trolley service runs throughout downtown from 7 to 10 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 more information, a list of First Fridays specials at participating businesses, and for a map of venues, visit www.auroradowntown.com.