The Exchange

30 The exChAnge SPECIAL EVENTS This year marks the fifth anniversary of First Fridays; a monthly event where gal- leries, studios, shops and boutiques open their doors to the public for extended hours. From 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, guests are invited to peruse The exchange and connect with members of the local creative community. "First Fridays is an opportunity to enjoy an evening out and celebrate the creative spirit in The Exchange," says co-founder and artist Karen schultz. The idea of First Fridays came about after co-founder sue gordon attended a similar event in Kansas City. An artist herself, gordon found the event south of the border to be a great op- portunity to experience the vitality and creativity of the city's art scene. After sharing her experience with fellow artists, schultz said they realized the event could be a hit in The exchange. "once we started First Fridays, we became overwhelmed by the response from the galleries and shops," said schultz. What began as a small and modest event of only 10 venues in 2010 has become a monthly favourite attract- ing visitors from all corners of the city to over 50 ven- ues. "The majority of venues open on a regular basis," says schultz. "And the reports we hear state that on any given First Friday, we have up to 600 visitors in The exchange." Tara davis, owner of the Tara davis Boutique at 246 Mcdermot Avenue, quickly joined as a venue after opening her shop over three years ago. davis was immediately hooked on First Fridays because she found the event makes the arts accessible to all. "i enjoy recommending other galleries to my customers," says davis. "several times i've been delighted when customers come back later in the evening to show off their newly acquired art." not only does davis use First Fridays as an opportunity to connect with customers, but artists as well. "i love having the chance to collaborate with local artists and intro- duce their work to a different audience." like many galler- ies in The exchange, each month, the Tara davis Bou- tique hosts an opening which features a variety of artists including crafters, painters and textile designers. in addition to the regular gallery openings, one of the key events taking place during First Fridays is Art Talk/Art Walk. First intro- duced in 2012, the Art Talk/ Art Walk series provides an educational component to First Friday attendees. held at the Winnipeg Free press Cafe, the talks cover a variety of issues relating to the arts community. "The series is meant to engage and educate the public about contemporary art," says schultz. past talks have covered topics including how to select art, what qualifies as art, and so much more. FANTASTIC FRIDAYS By Stephanie Scherbain Whether it is watercolour, sculpture, vintage clothing or artistically decorated imperial cookies, there is something for every art lover during First Fridays in The exchange. FF

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