Style Weekly has honored First Fridays Art Walk galleries, business owners, and organizers (us) as the 2009 “Richmonders of the Year”

Now this came as stunning news to us to say the least. I’ve been worried about the story as you never know what’s going to end up in them and this being a “cover story”, well that just lays on the pressure even more. While I have issues with some of the points (which almost always happens with news articles or editorials), I feel it’s a fair review of the program, obstacles that small business owners deal with, and the varied opinions held by many involved and/or located Downtown.

I feel that it’s important to address the following items noted in the issue.

1. While the audience may be majority white, they make up the arts community in Richmond. It’s an unfortunate and unhappy fact, and one I wish would change and hopefully by our efforts will change the way people look at arts and culture. The audience at First Fridays is very diverse though and is something that we’re proud of. It wasn’t that long ago that you’d find most Richmond events fairly segregated based on race or age but you can’t say that about First Fridays. We’ve broken the trend on Richmond event demographics and because our program is open and inviting, we encourage everyone of all races, ages, classes, whatever, to attend; and demand of it.

We also have in fact contacted many of the Broad Street small business owners to see if they too would like to be involved and for whatever reasons they have not. One reason that would certainly have been noted if they had been asked or there was room to print it, is that most of these businesses are daytime operations, like Pawn Shops, and don’t meet the program’s purpose or feel. Personally, I think pawn shops are cool and would love to have them included to diversify the program even more plus we need more retail open downtown, but hey, maybe in the future.

I hope everyone of whatever race downtown will go out and meet their neighbors and start a conversation. First Fridays was formed to do just that in part, and we’ve succeeded. There wasn’t much conversation taking place between neighbors back in the late 90’s but that’s not true today. Things are never how you’d like them to be but we’ve actually made leaps and bounds.

2. “It’s extremely frustrating,” Newton says, explaining that every budget cycle she lobbies City Council for more support — to no avail. “I go through my plea, my funding plea, and there is always something else that needs to be funded first. I’m used to that.”

This statement needs to be noted and corrected, as we have never asked City Council for funding. Who we have contacted is, our individual city council representatives over the past 5 years, and departments within the city, such as Economic Development, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and the Mayor’s office. But the frustrations lie with the former administration and not the current, and I feel that was not expressed well.

3. “I go through extreme love-hate relationship with the city”

I swore I said “Richmond” in this quote but maybe “city” slipped out but what I intended was “Richmond” as a whole and was not referring to the city administration. Sure some of my issues over the years have been with city rules, regulations or lack of vision or decisions made that I might have personally disagreed with, but those feelings also come with dealing with people in general and regards lots of other things not related to First Fridays! Having lived in one place for almost 20 years brings on such feelings no matter where you live. It’s not original to RVA. In short, I think this line was taking out of context.

We’re humbled nonetheless by this recognition and thank Style Weekly for this recognition as well as all of our supporters for their continued encouragement and enthusiasm. There is no better time to support your local business and community.

We are truly grateful for the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor: University of Richmond
and our other major sponsors:
Venture Richmond
CenterStage Foundation
Metro R Media
…as well as the many great participating venues in which make First Fridays a reality, and are the most deserving of this recognition!

Read the Cover Story “Broad Street Revivalists” at:
http://tiny.cc/xEKeZ

Check out an interview with Jason Roop, Editor of Style Weekly, with Ryan Nobles of NBC12’s “First @ Four”
http://www.nbc12.com/Global/story.asp?S=11766193

As the 25th Anniversary of the “Richmonder…” issue, additional coverage can also be found at:

NBC12 – “First at Four” – January 4, 2010
WTVR6 – 5:30pm – January 4, 2010
WRVA 1140 AM – 8:05am – January 5, 2010
Mix 103.7 FM – 8:15am – January 5, 2010

And, DON’T FORGET TO ATTEND THE NEXT FIRST FRIDAYS ART WALK ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2010 6pm – 10pm