It sounds almost dreamlike for Greeley residents to stroll around downtown galleries looking at local art. The Greeley Downtown Development Association started organizing a night like this years ago. It began with just a few businesses and local art, but now it has evolved to a variety of businesses doing poetry slams, concerts and art.
Administrative assistant for the DDA, Mandi Huston, said that 12 to15 businesses downtown partake in First Friday, A Night of Art. Once a month, participating businesses come together to promote the art and entertainment of Greeley typically from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“It’s a night that allows for businesses to stay open longer to catch the late night crowd,” said executive director of the Greeley DDA Pam Bricker.
Some of the artwork showcased tomorrow will even permanently be a part of a business; adding to the French ambience of Café Panache, two local artists added graffiti artwork found commonly at the Paris Metro to the hallway leading to the bathrooms.
With so many participants spread across Greeley, the event targets a variety of demographics. Tomorrow night there will be photography at the Atlas Theater, jazz and paintings at Café Panache, rugs at Doug’s Hang Up, glass art at The Dragon’s Cache and textile handicrafts at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
“I like the Bean Plant Studio for the interesting and eclectic array of excellent and affordable art against a backdrop of beautiful old wood and brick. I am usually greeted with a cup of tea and time to soak it all in,” said councilmember Donna Sapienza.
Huston also said that in the future the DDA plans on creating a map of all the participating businesses each month to make it easier for residents to enjoy the artistic expressions of downtown.
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