First Friday Art Walk

Ben & Jerry’s Fort Collins mural - woody experiences Fort Collins Little Hands Studio with 3 art pieces from our community creators!

At Big Al’s, supporting local goes beyond the food—we’re proud to showcase a rotating lineup of local artists right here in our space. Our walls feature a constantly changing collection of work from talented creatives in our community, giving guests something new to discover with every visit. Whether you’re stopping in for a burger or meeting up with friends, you’ll find original pieces that reflect the character, creativity, and spirit of Northern Colorado. It’s one more way we stay connected to the place we call home and the people who make it special.

This month we're featuring: Amy Powell, Anthony Garcia, Mallory Cash, Josue Sandoval and Patrick Caldwell.

Artist Amy Powell has been creating for nearly 20 years. She began her professional journey creating large scale oil paintings, but has become known for her intentional experimentation and is always evolving. Among her paintings, you can find a variety of portraits and animals as well as an array of abstract work. Her most recent creations have moved into an illustrative vein inspired by folk stories and mythology.

Amy’s art is all about expressing the depth of human emotion. Whether it’s a figure that depicts sorrow or mirth, or a non-subjective piece conveying grief and hope, she uses each brushstroke as an expression of her heart. Her themes are most commonly feminine energy and the serenity of nature. There is a story behind every piece, but also room for the viewers’ experiences to be brought alive as well. When asked about the inspiration behind a piece, Amy prefers to hear the story that the viewer wants to tell. She loves to feel the connection between herself and her audience when they bond with a piece.

Because of this, Amy loves collaborating with her collectors to create pieces that speak to their particular experiences.

Artist Anthony Garcia:

Playful little beans designed to brighten your everyday

From a term of endearment to a tiny illustrated world.

Everyday Bean began as a simple term of endearment between my wife and me. We call each other “bean.” Sleepy bean. Sick bean. Clean Bean. It is small, playful language that has quietly become part of our everyday life.

At some point, I started imagining what a “bean” might look like. That curiosity turned into sketches. Those sketches slowly became characters. Over time, a small illustrated world began to take shape, all inspired by the simple words we still use with each other every day.

Each design is intentionally minimal and playful, rooted in ordinary moments, familiar emotions, and seasons of life. Everyday Bean is a creative extension of something personal that started at home and continues to grow.

Artist Mallory Cash is an Impressionist painter whose work is deeply inspired by her hikes and adventures in the great outdoors. Using color to evoke emotion, energetic brushstrokes to create movement, and separated marks that form a stained-glass-like texture, she builds vibrant, modern landscapes that celebrate nature’s rhythm and light. Unlike traditional oil painters, Mallory does not layer her paint; instead, she applies each stroke side by side without overlap—striving to get each one “right the first time.” Working with a limited palette of just five pigments, she achieves a vivid dance of unmuddied color that captures the emotional essence of being outdoors.

Throughout her career, Mallory has continued to draw inspiration from the natural world, translating her travels into a vast collection of landscapes. Living life on the road in her self-converted van, she explores both new and familiar places that feed her creative spirit. Some of her most painted destinations include the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, the red rocks of Moab, Utah, and the open grasslands of Montana.

Now residing in Loveland, Colorado, Mallory finds endless inspiration in the dramatic light and colors of the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park—just under an hour from her front door. When she’s not out on the trail chasing the next view, she can be found in her home studio, reflecting on the landscapes she’s explored and transforming them into luminous works of art.

Artist Patrick Caldwell provides a wide variety of services including commissioned artwork, freelance graphic design and storybook illustration. He lives in the incredible area of Colorado know as the front range, in particular Fort Collins. He lives there with his highly entertaining fur-son, Whitaker the cat.

Join CC's Flowers in June for the First Friday Art Walk. There will be a complimentary wine tasting and art from local artist Paula Watson-Lakamp.

About Paula:
Born and raised in Colorado, Paula has always enjoyed the beauty, tranquility, and environment the area affords. She has been an artist ever since she could hold a crayon and made it a career through higher education degrees and years of working as a graphic designer and art teacher. Her own art continues to grow and change as she listens to her inner muse making constant suggestions. Paula loves color and texture and works in oil, acrylic and watercolor as well as mixed media. Her greatest joy is bringing out the creative spark in her students.

For more about classes go to her website: www.SandLilyStudio.weebly.com

Exhibit Title: Dinner in Slantland

Exhibit Dates: June 3–21

Reception: June 7 | 1–3 p.m.

An exhibition featuring oil paintings by Annie Briggs and wood sculptures by Stephen Grant.

Slantland is a state of mind that slips between the lines. The unlikely arrives without asking and the extraordinary feels strangely familiar. Coincidences glow with meaning, colors and shapes think for themselves, and the rules of what can be are quietly forgotten.

Slantland is the place where creativity dreams itself awake. All work in this show was created in Slantland.

Annie received her art degree from the University of Colorado and is a recently retired therapist. Stephen has been the owner of 15th Street Gallery in Boulder for 40 years. They are both lifelong artists.

Artist John Stromberger (@lplandsilver) Facebook

"I’ve been a rockhound since I was a child, and growing up on a farm in Eastern Colorado allowed me to traipse around and find some amazing things. Since childhood, I have always picked up stones or fossils if I found them, but around 2016 I started to be more focused in my searches. Once my shelves and windowsills were full of stones, I figured it was time to explore lapidary work, and shortly after that, I took three, eight-week silversmithing classes to showcase the stones in a meaningful way. I started my Etsy shop, Longs Peak Lapidary and Silver Creations, in 2020 and in April of 2026, I began consigning some of my pieces at both Crystal Joys locations. I have worked at CSU for 34 years conducting wheat breeding research which has been a very fulfilling career, and has kept me quite busy. However, every free minute I have, I’m nurturing my artistic side in my shop and studio. I’m constantly amazed by the beauty that can be found in stones, and I’m passionate about enhancing that beauty through the lapidary and silver work that I do."

Alexandria DeJoy (@alexandriartist) is a multidisciplinary artist living and creating in Fort Collins, Colorado. She enjoys working in several mediums, including: acrylic and watercolor painting, pyrography (wood burning), glass lampworking, and silversmithing. She uses bold color motifs and organic forms inspired by nature in her artwork and jewelry designs.

Alexandria is self-taught in glass lampworking, the art of shaping molten glass over a flame. Using a dual fuel torch, she melts colored glass rods to create beads and pendants. She then crafts jewelry and accessories that bring a pop of color and whimsy to the wearer. Each glass creation becomes a unique piece of wearable art.

Her work is an outward expression of her gratitude to nature, the elements that make her work possible, and all of the beauty and magic that flora and fauna bring to our lives.

Join us for Tintype Portrait sessions with Porkpie Photography (@porkpiephotography). Have your portrait taken using a traditional wet plate collodion technique and developed on site for you to take home! Enjoy refreshments, shopping and as always original paintings by Andrew Madison.

June First Friday Art Walk at Edge Optics!
Friday, June 5th | 6–9 PM | Edge Optics

First Friday is one of our favorite times to celebrate community, creativity, and connection here in Fort Collins — and we can’t wait to share it with you. Whether you’re here to shop, snack, admire local art, or just soak in the atmosphere, this night will be packed with good vibes.

Here’s what’s happening:

Street Noods (@street_noods) – Handmade pasta with a touch of creativity

Voulez Vous Bonbons (@voulezvousbonbon) - Handmade artisan chocolates that are as gorgeous as they are delicious

Lydia Cruz – Fun, creative art and custom caricatures

Sarah Bott (@sarahebott.studio) - Dreamy naturescapes and abstract art

Imani's Sketchbook (@imanisketchbook) – Beautiful, expressive art

Dan Matriccino Photography (@dannymatphotography) – Stunning local photography showcasing creative perspectives of Colorado

Stop by, bring friends, and let’s make this First Friday one to remember!

Join us for First Friday Art Walk with free entry to experience our new exhibition "Work & Wonder" and our permanent collection galleries and a sidewalk book sale, alongside live music from Petrichor Collective!

This month, Linden Street Tattoo client and local artist Ian Dougan (aka “The Vitamin Boy”) (@vitaminboyart) will be making an appearance at the shop to showcase a collection of original paintings, drawings, and sticker art.

Hailing from the frozen border cities of Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN, Ian grew up immersed in the commercial printing world of the early '90s, learning the ropes from his father, an old-school graphic artist and offset pressman. That early obsession with ink on paper stuck and never left him.

Today, Ian splits his style between bold American traditional paintings and a raw, "quick and dirty" black-ink aesthetic. His pieces are heavily fueled by a love for B-horror and sci-fi movies, lowbrow art, indie comics, punk rock, and vintage advertising.

We're excited to welcome Ian into the shop! Come see his work in person and get to know the artist behind it.

Our New Feature Wall Glows with SUN

Hello friends, collectors, creatives, and sunshine seekers! Our feature wall is changing — this time to the theme SUN under the element of Fire.

We’ve received incredible submissions from artists interpreting warmth, light, heat, radiance, memory, energy, and sunshine in their own unique ways. We invite you to come explore the collection and see if any piece reflects the way you see sunshine.

Join us for Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk on June 5th from 6 - 9 PM as we celebrate the newest installation in our gallery space.

Come support local artists, browse new work, enjoy the atmosphere, and spend an evening with a community that believes art keeps things bright.

We support the arts — would you too, please?

Warmly,

Old Town Art + Framery (@oldtownartandframery)
Female-owned & operated custom framing and art gallery

Terry McNerney has been a mural artist and illustrator in Fort Collins for 30 years. His major public murals include Jazz Alley, located at the Mitchell Building in Old Town, a 90-foot mural on the side of the Buffalo Seed building in Greeley, and Lucile’s in Fort Collins that he is currently in the process of remodeling. He also did the entire Love building in Loveland. He has done over 100 private murals and illustrated several children’s books.

We will be hosting one of our Pinot Artists: Amy Heyse (@amyheyseart). She will be presenting her own pieces of art.

Amy on Etsy | Facebook | YouTube

Split in two one more time! My duet will be performing, and presenting The Tapestry Project and artwork with two other artists at the Masonic event center, while 4 Tapestry participants open my studio 211 and present their work on the 2nd floor of the Museum Art Fort Collins

The Masonic Event Center from 6-9:
Peanut Butter & Chocolate , I will be singing with my band mate, Marcos Martinez! Marcos will be bringing his original CDs for purchase! @Marcos.Martinez.Music

@SheriLauren_Music  | Sheri Lauren Music on Facebook

Peanut Butter & Chocolate (@PeanutButterAndChocolateDuet)

Kyah Probst (@kyahprobst.art) and Callandry Art (@callandryart) will be presenting their art alongside mine and answering questions about the Tapestry Project fundraiser created by NOCO Creative Network for The Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County.

Come enjoy PB&C’s original music and covers! Check out Kyah’s, Callandry Art’s, and my art prints, and take home an original CD.

2nd Floor of the Museum of Art from 6-9:
Members of the Tapestry Project team will be presenting their work and answering questions about the Tapestry Project.

My Studio 211 will be hosted by Charming Quail™ Jewelry (@charmingquail). Alex will be sharing his Tapestry design sketch, an homage to community narratives; alongside beloved pieces and collaborations.
Facebook | Website | @SheriLauren_Art 

Partum Iter (@Partum.Iter) will be live sewing and offering pay what you can repairs on clothing and bags. He is preparing his own original tapestry to donate to the Tapestry Project.

Josie Cooley, massage therapy student, will be performing chair massages!

Freebird Funnday will be back with Live finger painting! She will have her prints and gifts available for purchase as well. Freebird Funnday (@FreebirdFunnday)
- Join my events online for updates!

The NOCO Creative Network is so excited to be raising funds and awareness for The Alliance for Suicide Prevention Of Larimer County through the Tapestry Project! We so appreciate the contributions of the participating artists, creatives, and health supporters of NoCo!

Special thanks to Founded in Foco for allowing me to share their community painting through this project as well!

I hope to see all of you at the Masonic Event Center, and please stop in at the 2nd floor of the Museum of Art Fort Collins too! Thank you for supporting our team members in building a stronger community!

The Masonic Event Center is bringing the heat in June with three featured artists and a reception for "Shaped by the Land" the current exhibition on display by our resident artists Dara Weyna (@daraweyna) and Jai Cochran (@Jaicochranart), also on Facebook!

Sheri Lauren will hold the culminating event for her tapestry project, hosting a silent auction benefit!

Facebook | Website | @SheriLauren_Art 

Aparna Vaishampayan (@indofusionart) will have beautiful artworks on display that make an excellent addition to any home.

Back by popular demand, Michael Fanchon and the Guild of Pepperers makes a return to entice the public with handcrafted topicals and remedies.

Whatever you're into, we have it here at The Masonic Event center, so come make this First Friday Art Walk historic with us!

Get ready for a burst of COLOR all month long with local Fort Collins artist Kaley Alie (@kaleyalieart).

This joyful featured show is packed with bright, playful, one-of-a-kind original paintings in all shapes and sizes. From funky fish and lovable pets to bugs, blooms, Colorado landscapes, and so much more — every piece is full of personality and guaranteed to make you smile.

Come celebrate creativity, color, and local art with us throughout the entire month of June.

Visit Fort Collins will be closed on June 1st Art Walk hosting the Rotary District 5440's 2026 Innovation Summit opening reception. The Cache La Poudre Capture the Cache will be on display the entire month of June.

Details on Capture the Cache:

"The free month-long exhibition features local photography highlighting the landscapes, wildlife, recreation, agriculture, and community stories connected to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. An opening reception will take place Tuesday, June 2 from 4:00-7:00 pm and will include live art, music, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and recognition of individuals who make a lasting impact on the Poudre River corridor.

We are also honored to recognize this year’s Emeritus honorees, Karen Scopel and Tom Trout, for their lasting contributions to the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area and Poudre River corridor.

Jill Farrington a local acryllic artist will be featuring many of her paintings including paintings of our very own guinea pigs! She will be giving out scratch tickets, every card wins! You also can take home a signed print or magnet, sign up for many upcoming art classes and pre order calendars to support Cavies and Canines. You will love to meet her!

Join us at the Publick House for First Friday fun! New works from one of our very own staff, Chad Seidel (@openandclosed), along with live music from Sunrise Genius, and the Familiar Foods mobile farmers market out front!

Chad says:

hey this might be the first you’ve heard of my show

it’s kind of a look back into some stuff i was up to 2021-2022

coming up on first friday, june 5, 2026: 

6:15 pm / sunrise genius ♪

7:00 pm / upstairs story

7:30 pm / q & a

7:40 pm / goodbye story

7:45 pm / sunset genius ♪

9:00 pm / doors close

part of the citywide celebration of art, pop in anytime between 6-9 for curious happenings