Places become popular because they’re usually worth seeing, which accurately describes the many First Fridays Art Walk venues along Historic Broad Street. Ultimately though, popularity can have its short comings, like overcrowding and the inability to experience what you came for under optimum circumstances.
These are the days when venturing off the beaten path is called for. And what you will discover is, out of the ordinary locations offering exciting and intimate experiences, and that First Fridays is not just confined to the City’s main drag.
Meander south of Broad Street and you’ll find some of the most beautiful tree lined streets in the City as well as the most elegant of architecture in Monroe Ward. Not to mention many of our program’s cultural venues. Did I mention the James River? Grace, Franklin, Main, and Cary Streets are all very familiar corridors, filled with the grandest mix of accommodations – like the Jefferson Hotel and Linden Row Inn – plus restaurants, small businesses and major corporations, public art and green spaces, not to mention the Region’s premier performing arts center – CenterStage. Visitors to First Fridays will find plenty of parking options along the street and at the numerous hourly parking lots located here too.
A walk just north of Broad Street is Historic Jackson Ward, which promises pleasant strolls and views of the most cast iron work in the country outside of New Orleans. One of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods, nicknamed the “Harlem of the South” because of its strong African-American heritage and culture, Jackson Ward is in the midst of revitalization as galleries, restaurants, and unique urban living options spring up amongst the historic properties built between the early and late 1800’s. Our City’s rich history lies along these brick lined streets as well as its new culture.
What you’ll discover “Off the Beaten Path” at First Fridays June 4!
Monroe Ward:
9WG Studios (9 West Grace Street) is located in a newly renovated space featuring two audio recording suites, a two-story tracking room and isolation booth, two editing suites and a shooting cyc. Their beautiful brick gallery showcases emerging painter Angela Tornello in June.
Centenary United Methodist Church (411 East Grace Street) features a unique spin on the coffee house event. Friday Nite LIVE! features free live music, coffee and refreshments. The Christian praise band Zechariah’s Song will perform from 6:00pm-8:00pm on June 4.
Chez Foushee (203 North Foushee Street) has a loyal lunchtime following but those in the know are sitting at their bar or at a four-top during First Fridays for dinner between 6:00pm-10:00pm or enjoying cocktails til 11:00pm. Dinner’s doing so well, that the Chez Crew now serves dinner every Friday and Saturday night.
Lemaire (Jefferson Hotel) will not be out done thanks to $5 Cosmos and Manhattans on First Fridays. You can drop our name and get 10% off your food purchase as well. And there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of their daily Happy Hour specials or three-course menu from 5:00pm-6:00pm for only $30, which would certainly be an outstanding way to start your evening. First Fridays offers no better time to take in Lemaire’s cozy sophisticated ambiance at one of Richmond’s most remarkable architectural wonders.
Linden Row Inn (100 East Franklin Street) is a happening place for a once reserved historic inn. Partnering with the iconic 1708 Gallery, Linden Row now boasts a rotating array of contemporary works by locally based artists inside and out. Currently on view are works inspired by the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Reflecting and Collecting celebrates the reopening of the VMFA and features 19 thought-provoking works. A courtyard oasis, a drink from the cash bar, and the sometimes sounds of live jazz, are making this a hip location. Visit 6:00pm-10:00pm, or make it a getaway with a Special First Fridays Art Walk Rate, available Thursday – Sunday on the first weekend of the month.
Richmond CenterStage (600 East Grace Street) has been the location of some amazing art these past few months of First Fridays. And from 5:00pm-8:00pm on June 4, you too can witness more not-to-be-missed performances. Experience the Elegba Folklore Society in a presentation of African dance and music. Complimenting this dramatic free cultural event will be the sounds of the community based One Voice Chorus. A cash bar and complimentary snacks will be available to top your night off. Enter CenterStage from the corner of 7th and East Grace Streets.
Richmond Public Library (101 East Franklin Street) has changed the way people think about libraries. This is no stuffy, keep it quiet location on First Fridays. The Downtown Branch is always alive with live music, lectures by popular authors, or events like the 5th Annual Poetry Slam taking place this week. The RPL also is host to 4 diverse visual art exhibitions every single month. These great folks never rest in order to make their grand facility a home of culture. During June, they continue their celebration of the statewide program Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts with Muses: A Tribute to Mature Women Who Live Creative Lives, Scenic Virginia’s Photography Competition, Elizabeth Evans mixed media, Plein Air Figure Drawings and Hollywood Glamour. Enjoy all the Library has to offer from 7:00pm-9:00pm.
St Paul’s Episcopal Church (815 East Grace Street) has added First Fridays to its roster of diverse cultural programming, and we’re excited that they have! And they make venturing east so easy thanks to free parking in their 8th Street Parking Garage. You can enter between 5:00pm-8:00pm and can leave anytime thereafter. Enjoy an opening reception 5:00pm-8:00pm for the group exhibition Youth Art Offering featuring Margaret Benson, Olivia Fabelo, Nena Huss and Joy Whitehurst. Inspired by all the talk of Louis Comfort Tiffany? You’re in for a treat as St Paul’s foremost works of art include 10 stained glass windows from the Tiffany Studios. Tours are available for free!
Jackson Ward:
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (00 Clay Street) continues its exploration of the African American military experience throughout the summer. Opening on June 4 from 6:00pm-8:30pm is an installation of one of the most challenging exhibitions you will experience in some time. Diluted Loss is a series of mixed media works by well-known Richmond artist Keith M. Ramsey who utilizes found objects and historical clippings and letters in his conceptual works. Also on view is An Officer and a Gentleman: Selections from the Colonel Charles Young Collection that draws from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Gallery 5 (200 West Marshall Street) presents ample opportunities this month to learn how to green your life. During First Fridays from 7:00pm-11:00pm take in Sustainable Richmond and Stay Space: The James River Green Building Council’s presentation of the 2010 Green Spaces Competition. Thanks to the numerous eco-friendly organizations and businesses taking part in Sustainable Richmond, you’ll fine a diverse range of products, services, and programs guaranteed to improve your life and the environment.
*This article was originally published on Richmond.com