Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk^TM

This month, Bookstore On The Square will host four artists from Petrichor Collective (Meg Tucker, Sian Shirley, Daylen Blehm, and Rob Alexander) along with three musicians (David Rhodes, Danny Feig-Sandoval, and Sparky) performing live during the evening!

A Petrichor Collective Project. Visit http://www.petrichorcollective.art/events to learn more about the event and don’t miss out on a unique Art experience brought to you by Northern Colorado’s best Artists!

From the Artists, for the Collective.

Our May artist is Rachel Wilson. Her website is www.artbyrw.com

The Stone Garden, Handcrafted Jewelry Inspired by Nature

Raised in the "fluorescent mineral capital of the world", rocks, gemstones, crystals, and other natural elements always fascinated me. Traveling the US, Mexico and Guatemala in the early 70s provided a fresh approach to the art of jewelry making--from the beauty and simplicity of woven beaded designs of the Southwest Native Americans to the intricate silver and gemstone creations of the artisans of Mexico, Central and South America.

With the inception of The Stone Garden, the essence and beauty of Earth's natural elements are captured in my designs. A retreat in the mountains of Colorado surrounded by natural rock formations forms a kind of private "stone garden", where these natural wonders provide inspiration, motivation and a tune up for the senses.

Certain gemstones are said to enhance spiritual abilities and have specific healing properties. As a self-taught herbalist and alternative healing enthusiast, my interest in these healing energies adds a unique dimension to the jewelry. Each gemstone piece describes the folkloric history and healing power associated with the stone.

Artist Info: Nina Breuer of Harmony Bazaar creates Handmade & Hypoallergenic Jewelry. Inspired by nature, using quality materials, each piece is one of kind and created for you. Stop by First Friday at Dandelions and Rust to check out her Artisan Jewelry and the new HB Jewelry Bar to create a custom gift with Nina for Mothers Day, Graduation or an upcoming celebration. 

Guests can make custom Mother’s Day gifts, like Bracelets or Earrings on the spot.

Join us for a vibrant evening of art, music, and community this May 3rd, for First Friday! We will be featuring our stunning "Outer Eye" iris photography with special First Friday Only Deals! Outer Eye is the only high quality iris photography of it's kind in Northern Colorado! We will also be featuring stunning artworks by locals Micah Baird & Light Line Creative as well as live tunes by Sean Waters Duo as well as Zoë Ilana and delicious bites available for purchase from Taste Food Truck conveniently parked right outside! Please join us at Edge Optics this First Friday and enjoy beautiful iris images, the opportunity to have your iris photographed, live music, food + drinks, as well as local art and shopping and raffle opportunities! All guests will receive 1/2 off Outer Eye services purchased.

Join us for First Friday Art Walk for new artworks by Sarah E. Bott, snacks, drinks, and a welcome celebration for Mayan Indigenous Healer, Nana Mimi. See you at the Equinox Center on Friday for the art and festivities.

Sarah says, "Hi, I’m Sarah and I’m an abstract nature artist. My studio work explores tension between imagination versus understanding. In my creative process I am reminded that we are part of a seemingly physical world yet our universal connection to totality and our individual inner worlds is proof that there is more available to observe. My perspective notices beauty both seen and unseen. With the guidance of intuition I am inspired to transport you to magical places I’ve encountered and share my vision of elements in nature. Bringing you unique art that uplifts your soul and energizes a space".

For this First Friday in Mai we highlight wares from local women artisans:

Diaphanous silk overlays with small batch luxury body & bath by Aevum & Grey, fabulous repurposed bijoux trésors from LaLa Maxwell, aromatic candles from Beldamia and a special debut of ephemera collage pacquets from Handarbeit. Follow your nose down the marble steps into our 142bis gallerie space and join us.

May 3:  Free Live Music for First Friday

The States Duo of Martin Bates and Janie Stein will perform live from 5:30-7 pm with folk, country, bluegrass, and soft rock music.  The Museum is open with free admission from 5-8 pm as part of First Friday Art Walk. 

Museum Track to the Trolley

The Museum is collaborating with the Museum of Art Fort Collins for an exciting new program – Museum Track to the Trolley – during First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 pm May 3.  Each individual who collects stamps by visiting two galleries each at the Global Village Museum and Museum of Art will receive one free trolley pass.  Track cards can be picked up and redeemed at either Museum, and fifty-two passes are available for giveaway (it is first come, first serve with 26 passes at each Museum).

Welcome, All Day Crochet!

Specializing in handmade amigurumi plushies, baby items like blankets, coasters, keychains and so much more. Each creation is crafted with love and care, bringing warmth and joy to every home. She embraces the magic of crochet and creates amazing pieces that can be purchased at this Fridays Art Walk, on Etsy or you can pickup a custom order in Greeley, CO.

Logan Wolfrum is a self-taught local artist. He was raised in the mountains of Colorado, and has called Fort Collins his home for the past 15 years. Logan is inspired by the beauty of Colorado and other captivating landscapes. He focuses mostly on creating landscape paintings using oil, and has a bit of an impressionistic style. In years past he created many bronze sculptures, and has always enjoyed sharing his eye for design and composition with others through the arts.

Mallory Cash is known for vibrant oil paintings that bring impressionistic joys. The desire to create something different and uplifting grew strong and grew into the work she creates today. 

Mugs First Friday will be hosting MCCB Design with music by Lewis Turner.

Erin Joy is a Colorado based naturalist illustrator. She works mainly in ink, adding layers of watercolor and gauche. Her inspiration comes from her time spent in nature, and research into symbiotic relationships. Erin grew up collecting vintage field guides, and falling in love with the illustrations on every page. She believes that art has the power to connect us to species around the world and in our own backyard. In order for people to feel inspired to take conservation action, they first must feel connected to the species that need protecting. Erin's website is erinjoyart.com

We are Featuring a Mother & Daughter Duo to celebrate Mother’s Day, Sheila Schlegel & Brandy Sas.

Sheila: “Mom” makes custom re-designed jean jackets and vests.

Brandy: “Daughter” makes custom designed and embellished, hand burned Fedora hats.

Snacks & Refreshments available as well as live pop-up music.

The Art of the Wild: Colors and Patterns of Amphibians and Reptiles

Join us for an enchanting evening with our friends from the Reptile & Amphibian Center. Explore the vibrant world of amphibians and reptiles while delving into their captivating colors and mesmerizing patterns. Discover the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship as we showcase our commitment to promoting the welfare and conservation of these fascinating creatures.

• Meet and touch native species and amphibians Animal Ambassadors.
• Engage with educational content on conservation & environmental stewardship.
• Learn about Reptile & Amphibian Center's mission to promote the welfare and conservation of reptiles and amphibians through education, rescue, and rehabilitation. We strive to increase public understanding and appreciation for these vital members of our ecosystem, and to inspire a sense of responsibility for stewardship of their natural habitats and captive care.

Donation: Remember, 15% of the evening's profits will be donated, so let's shop with purpose and give back to nature together!

Stop by the Tellus Store during First Friday Art Walk to immerse yourself in the world of amphibians and reptiles. Discover, learn, and be inspired to take action in conserving our environment and its incredible inhabitants.

Featured for the month of May we have a fun collection of new work from Allie Ogg.  She's created a beautiful series of wooden cutouts inspired by our local wildflowers and wildlife, which gives her endless inspiration. New cards, stickers and prints will be a must to check out.
Allie Ogg is a full time artist and illustrator based in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has a BFA from Syracuse University for ceramics and printmaking, and has spent her time in Colorado working on illustration, graphic design, and mural art. She lives with her husband, two littles, and a cow dog named Billie Holiday. Her free time is spent exploring the foothills and mountains of Colorado seeking inspiration and joy. Allie's website is: https://www.allieogg.com/

Visit Fort Collins is hosting Cynthia Danielle, to perform live painting. She is a very talented artist creating photo-like oil paintings of Fort Collins locations. Additionally, Carlos Barata, who recently appeared at FoCoMX, will be performing live music!

This year's Art Walk at Walnut Creek will showcase the talent of graduating students from Front Range Community College and CSU's Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. With 10 students this May we will have exhibitions in both the Merchant Room and The Stoneroom. Join us and immerse yourself in the diverse works of Madeleine Pelissier, Ian Cameron, Jay Beard, Summer Hall, Solomon Brewer, Parker Wright, Rebecka Borodach, Andrew Slotter, Tanner Holbrook, and Atlas Lee.

In addition to celebrating emerging artists, we're commemorating a decade of creativity and community at Walnut Creek. Join us from May 3rd to May 5th for an unforgettable shopping experience featuring over 60 local artisan vendors. Browse through unique creations and support the vibrant Fort Collins art scene while enjoying the student capstone shows.

Please come out, and enjoy the beauty and the stories that art brings to our human journey. Say hello, mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, and perhaps find the perfect piece to adorn your home!

Becca Black

Becca Black is a distinguished artist, art instructor, and creative professional, known for her vibrant paintings characterized by bold colors. Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, she is passionate about exploring innovative artistic approaches and spreading her love of art to others.

By day, Becca imparts her expertise as an art educator at Fossil Ridge High School, where she is concluding her tenth year of teaching. While her portfolio predominantly features acrylic and watercolor paintings, she draws inspiration from her students' artworks and is continually experimenting with new media.

In addition to painting, Becca has a diverse skill set that encompasses photography, photographic transfers, wood collages, window painting, polymer clay, cut paper, and oil painting. She diligently strives to maintain a harmonious balance between her teaching responsibilities and artistic pursuits. Consequently, Becca welcomes commissions for custom paintings and is flexible regarding pricing to accommodate clients' needs.

Ganja Claws

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Join us for First Friday art walk with brand new works by Bethany Chambers, and live music with Kacey Underwood. 

Bethany Chambers (@bethanychambers) is an artist, a graphic designer, and a lover of all things silly and small. These works are an effort to appreciate and focus on the unique joys that come from the complexities of small beings. 

Kacey's music frolics through a melange of country and blues songwriting of old. With guitar and vocals, she soulfully shares some of her favorite tunes, and sprinkles in a few of her own originals.