Home » The Fun of First Fridays in Fremont: A Photo Display

The Fun of First Fridays in Fremont: A Photo Display

by Kirby Lindsay, posted 30 May 2011

 

Diners chat alongside art works by Liz Moody, at Pel'meni Dumpling Tzar, at the Fremont First Friday Art Walk in May 2011. Photo by Melanie Masson

The Fremont First Friday Art Walk is about art.  Art displayed on walls, sold as merchandise, performed as music, crafted as food and drink, and, even, sometimes, spoken as poetry.

Yet, if the Art Walk were simply about experiencing art, it would be a lot more quiet, sedate and serious an evening than, well, the Fremont First Friday Art Walk.

Most months, photographer, (and First Friday organizer,) Melanie Masson attempts to capture the more ephemeral moments of the Art Walk – and why it can be so much fun!

At the 'Breaking The Cycle of Poverty in the Ixil' fundraising show at Evo TimesInfinity gallery, in March 2011. Photo by Melanie Masson

The Fellowship & the Food

The ideal way to Walk, of course, is with friends. 

And with the variety of venues, and art, it is possible to find something to enjoy, engage and/or entertain nearly any temperament.

Yet, the Walk also allows opportunities to meet-and-greet, and get to know others that share an appreciation of art, culture, fun and/or Fremont – or to trade waspish comments about one or another display.

The chance to chat with the artists, and the ‘curators’ (the managers/owners of the venues) also can provide insight, and a rare opportunity for social interaction.

Silence-Heart-Nest hosts a tribute to the late Sri Chinmoy, with art and music, in May 2011. Photo by Melanie Masson

Considering that many of the venues either sell food, or simply have something to nosh on at hand, the Walk often provides nourishment for the body, as well as the spirit.

Friends that came along, but have proven to be absolutely impervious to the power of art – and this chance to get off the couch and live reality instead of watching it – can pig-out on pizza, pie, adult beverages, and/or Russian dumplings while the rest of us nosh and view the art.

Causes, Opportunities & Serendipity

Pickled Okra perform their to-tappin' Americana tunes at Studio R (at right, Mark Siano - the featured artist for June at Studio R.) Photo by Melanie Masson

For there is so much more than ‘just’ art – particularly in Fremont.

Several art shows, such as one in March at the Evo TimesInfinity gallery, have offered art (in this case a photo display) to illustrate a cause (the poverty-stricken lives of the indigenous Mayan people in Guatemala) and raised money to benefit two local non-profits, SalaamGarage and Agros International.

While an art form all its own, opportunities to hear live music during the Art Walk occur more and more often.  

Rabbits Two (fiddler Alex MacLeod and banjo player David Pearlstein of the trio Rabbit Stew String Band) entertain during Live At Lenin in September 2010. Photo by Melanie Masson

In July, Masson plans to revive Live at Lenin – with bands performing at ‘Red Triangle’ to provide a soundtrack for passers-by, an excuse to stop and rest for the weary, and maybe even an excuse to dance…

To find out about the art – and other stuff – to be found at the Art Walk on Friday, June 3rd, from 6p – 9p, check their website.  To view more photos of past Art Walks, check out the website photo gallery.

And, as always, have fun!


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©2011 Kirby Lindsay.  This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws.  Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.

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