Tunes, Hoops, Snacks, and Crafts!

On the first Friday of June, South Division was animated with live music, bustling shoppers, and the spirited energy of so many creative people all in one place. During The Market on First Fridays, the sidewalks became vibrant, as artists and artisans from diverse backgrounds set up booths to display their handmade goods.

Walking amongst the hand printed stationery, home made metal jewelry, textile goods, and other craft items, visitors were drawn to the 106 parking lot which became the focal point of the event. The centerpiece of the parking lot was a full stage which hosted a lineup of eight local performers whose musical styles ranged from rockabilly to indie pop. Surrounding the stage, visitors received henna tattoos, people purchased barbecue from Papa Joe’s Barbecue food truck, and children with painted faces hula hooped to the music.

On either side of the parking lot, store front galleries like Spiral Gallery and the (106) Calvin Gallery, opened their doors to reveal curated exhibitions that displayed fine art from local artists. Shops like Have Company and Parliament the Boutique sold products from local makers on the street and in their stores. The creative participants as well as visitors, all contributed to the energy and excitement that filled the air from Cherry down to Weston.

On Friday, August 1st, Avenue for the Arts organizers are working to make the second and final Market on First Fridays even better than the previous. To further expand on the lively atmosphere that was experienced in June, the August event will have a wider array of performers that flow away from the concentrated parking lot and onto the surrounding blocks. There will also be more food and beverage vendors that offer up a variety of refreshments throughout the night. More storefront galleries will be participating which will make the indoor spaces as captivating as the outdoor activity.

Amongst all the big plans, the quality of creative, local talent will continue to be what makes this event such a fresh and positive experience. The Market on First Fridays is a fun, unique way to spend a Friday night with friends and family and the perfect way to kick off the month of August. Register to be a musician, performer, or vendor from now until the day of the event and be sure come down to South Division on August 1st from 5:00PM - 9:00PM to experience all that The Market on First Fridays has to offer.

The Avenue for the Arts is a neighborhood title for the South Division commercial corridor. We are residential, commercial and nonprofit groups working together in a creative community. We are residents in Heartside, and active participants in shaping change in our neighborhood. In 2005, we choose the Avenue for the Arts as a title to represent our commercial corridor and the projects and events that we create. Because the Avenue is powered by volunteers guest writers create our Rapidian content. Special thanks to Leah Burke, Avenue member and writer for her coverage of "The Market on First Fridays"