The first Friday of every month the downtown arts district hosts the First Friday Gallery Hop; where a variety of shops, galleries, studios, and restaurants extend their hours and open their doors to take part in a lively celebration of the arts. Each stop on the Hop boasts its own unique craft, ranging from photography, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and paintings. At many galleries the owners and artists are there with smiles, to welcome guests and answer questions.
The event takes place on Trade St (between 6th St and 7th St) and festivities go from 7pm to 10pm. Streets close to accommodate foot traffic, but there is plenty of parking in the surrounding lots.
Although the Gallery Hop only covers a few short blocks, there is plenty of fun and entertainment with live music, artist demonstrations, belly dancers, tarot card readings, live Qigong, food vendors, and even a mobile art supply store. The only thing more varied than the art in the galleries, are the people in the crowd. From tattoos to tie-dye to tailored suits, families with kids and college students on dates, Gallery Hop is fun for the whole family!
thesalemite.org 