First Friday artwalk: free, fun, fantastic
Published: Mar 10, 2009
With every first Friday of the month comes an opportunity to experience an amazing array of inner-city urban art -- absolutely free.
The First Friday artwalk began in 1994 as a way to share the arts and entertainment sector of Phoenix with the general public. First Friday originally consisted of 13 art studios; today, there are more than 100 vendors and studios open to the public!
Live music, vendors and street performers line the walks and alleyways providing a vast range of eclectic experiences. Self-guided studio tours allow you to go at your own pace, as you walk from one studio to the next.
Along the way you may be serenaded by the sounds of the three-man-trash-can band, a solo-guitarist, jazz band ensemble and much more. There are restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream bars and street-food vendors throughout the art walk route. If you plan to dine at one of the area restaurants, be prepared for long waits and large crowds.
The artwalk spans the entire Downtown Phoenix area. There are four separate routes, and a free shuttle runs the course of the art walk every 20 minutes. The shuttle begins at the Phoenix Museum of Art at 1625 N. Central (corner of McDowell Road. and Central Ave.). Maps of the artwalk routes are available at the museum and will soon be available on the Artlink website.
This event attracts people from all walks of life in Arizona so go prepared for a cultural experience! Be aware that it can be difficult to find metered parking on the street. Luckily, there is a parking lot just south of Roosevelt on Fourth Street that has public parking available.
The First Friday artwalk is a distinctively diverse representation not only of the city's vast range of art and perspective, but also of Phoenician culture. If you're an art fan, this is a montly event you won't want to miss.
- by Jennifer Pruett, Phoenix Reporter for HelloMetro
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