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Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™

First Friday Art Walk

A self-guided tour for the art lover in everyone!

Every first Friday of the month from 6 - 9 pm

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presents Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk™, a community fave of its series of signature business promotions. This monthly self-guided walking tour celebrates creativity, culture, and community in the heart of the city. From fine art to funky and eclectic styles, Art Walk showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions designed to entertain and engage art lovers and casual participants of all ages and backgrounds.


Are you an artist? Are you interested in displaying your work for Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk?

Please fill out this form to be added to the list of artists we share with Art Walk businesses.

*Please note: Artist selection is at the discretion of individual participating businesses.

Participating Locations

August Art Walk

Date: First Friday
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Downtown Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Free!

Bas Bleu

Featuring

Big Al's

Featuring Lia Walker, Patrick Caldwell, Amy Powell, and Richie Greene

Lia Walker

@m0thworks

Patrick Caldwell
Patrick 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.

@adversary1

Amy Powell
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. If you have an idea you'd love to see brought to life, please reach out and connect!

@watchamypaint

Richie Greene

@rgproductionco

Bookstore on the Square

Featuring

CC's Flowers

Featuring Anne Rose and Shannon Mack, with live music from JT Stewart and the High Noon

This August at CC’s Flowers in Old Town, enjoy an immersive evening of art, music, and poetry.

Anne Rose of Settle Down Studio brings her signature watercolor and botanical monoprints to the shop, with work rooted in curiosity, connection, and place. Her dreamy landscapes and layered textures explore both memory and presence through vibrant color and delicate mark-making. Joining her is Shannon Mack, a multidisciplinary artist and muralist known for her bold, expressive compositions. Shannon’s work incorporated narrative and emotion, weaving together color, texture, and abstraction to celebrate community, identity, and the human experience. Stop by the Little Poetry Café, where poet and performer Riley Ann will type you a personalized poem on a vintage typewriter. Choose a theme from the menu and receive a one-of-a-kind piece of literary art to take home. The evening also features live music by JT Stewart and the High Noon. JT Stewart has recorded 4 solo records in Austin, TX as Justin Stewart. JT writes poetry every day, and all his music is available online or hard copy. In The High Noon he is joined by guitarist/vocalist Esten Mason. They both recently moved their families to Fort Collins, and met musically over 20 years ago in College Station, TX. 

Explore original paintings, prints, mixed media works, poetry, and more, all on view at CC’s Flowers throughout August.

Instagram:

@SettleDownStudio | @shannon__mack | @littlepoetrycafe | @rileyannsound

Websites:

settledownstudio.com | shannonmack.com

Center for Creativity

Featuring Vivian Lynn, MARiNA, Cece Sol

Artist: Vivian Lynn

Exhibition Title: VIVLYNN Art - Early Work

Gallery: Gallery A

Exhibition Statement: People interested in art recognize that every brush stroke of Renoir, Seurat, Kathleen Petyarre, Clifford Possum, to name a few, use each stroke or dab of their brush, to put together the parts of a story, a powerful story. I've studied these artist, and many more in my decades as a designer, painter, artist. In my many years living in Australia I became a student of Aboriginal art and folklore and my current work is now heavily influence by this concept of using a brush stroke, a point of paint, to create the work in this exhibition. Perhaps a new take on pointillism.  My inspiration comes from photos from space, the natural world around us and the graphic lines in our urban landscape.


Artist: MARiNA

Exhibition Title: My Seoul

Gallery: Gallery B

Exhibition Statement: Art by MARiNA will be featured in "My Seoul" an artistic exposition of work from her personal experiences in Seoul, as an artist and as an observer of contemporary, traditional and historic Korean culture. "I share this body of work in the hopes of inspiring in the viewer, a desire to learn more about a city, a land, and a culture I love". Her exhibit will be from July 30 -August 3, 2025, in Gallery B, where she will also be available for questions during First Friday Art Walk, on August 1.


Artist: Cece Sol

Exhibition Title: Cece Sol

Gallery: Gallery C

Exhibition Statement:

Storyteller

When I paint

I organize

Colors

Shapes

Images

Ambivalent Space

Framing Ques*ons

Ques*oning Borders

The impact of Illusion

Enhanced by Abstrac*on

A Story about Make-Believe

And the Reality of Human Experience

Otherwise intangible

Ephemeral

Trapped

By

My

Timid

Tongue



Amenities: Soft drinks available for our underage guests.

Crystal Joys

Featuring Silver Lady Tarot

Seeking clarity, connection, or guidance? Silver Lady Tarot weaves 40+ years of tarot and healing wisdom into grounded, soulful readings for individuals, couples, groups, or events. Join us during August's First Friday Art Walk to experience her insightful readings in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere- perfect for a night of art, intuition, and community connection!


Readings available from 4 PM to 8 PM at Crystal Joys

Dandelions & Rust

Featuring

Doozie Jewelry

Featuring


Edge Optics

Featuring Morel Eyewear, Lydia Cruz, Voulez Vous Bon Bons, Solana Jewelry, and Jes Creations

Join us for another fun-filled evening at Edge Optics as we celebrate local art, music, and community during the Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk! We will of course be featuring our very own Outer Eye Iris Photography along with the following;

 Featured Artists & Vendors:

Morel Eyewear – French eyewear collection

Lydia Cruz – Stunning fine line art

Voulez Vous Bon Bons – Elegant & delicious confections

Solana Jewelry – Beautiful permanent jewelry

Jes Creations – Handwoven fiber arts

Music:

We’ll have music setting the perfect vibe as you browse, snack, and connect!

Don’t miss this free and family-friendly night full of art, culture, and community vibes. Plus, it’s a great chance to explore the space, check out our eyewear, and support some truly incredible local creatives.

Ent Credit Union

Featuring Laeryn Plankey and Kalianna Keels

Celebrate an evening of creativity, community, and connection at this month’s Art Walk at Ent Credit Union, featuring the handmade works of Laeryn Plankey and Kalianna Keels.

Best friends and artistic soulmates, Laeryn and Kalianna met while attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). After making their way to Colorado, they’ve built portfolios rooted in mixed media, textiles, and beadwork.

Join us starting at 6PM on Friday, August 1st at 243 N. College Ave. for an eclectic mix of pieces, welcoming ambiance and delicious snacks while mingling with fellow art lovers.

Laeryn's Instagram: @dollarbillorigami

Kalianna's Instagram: @the.lil.seamstress

EsScentuals

Featuring Blossom Bird Studio and handarbeit

Hoping to see you again this First Friday in August after our “no show” on July 4th. Follow your nose down our illuminated marble staircase into our 142bis gallerie where you’ll find an on-going show of works by Christina O’Neill of Blossom Bird Studio and fresh assembled “Italianate” ephemera paquets by Ute of handarbeit. Christina will have prints of her original watercolor and charcoal originals available for purchase.

Gilded Goat Brewing

Featuring The J. Taylor Collection

The Gilded Goat Gallery proudly presents a unique collection curated by John and Saskia Taylor. The J. Taylor Collection offers a captivating glimpse into the past, inviting visitors to experience a world as it once was. Explore our eclectic mix of art, vintage advertisements, antiques, maps, books, and collectibles—all available for purchase at reasonable prices. Whether you’re searching for a distinctive gift, a personal memento from Fort Collins, or simply taking a nostalgic stroll, our Downtown location is the perfect destination to discover the ever-evolving catalog curated by John and Saskia Taylor.

Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures

Featuring Echoes of the Red Era with live music by The Fort Collins African Drum and Dance Collective and Marimba Matatu

Free Admission & Live Performances!

Join us Friday night for free gallery admission and an evening of global rhythm and powerful storytelling. Explore Echoes of the Red Era, our thought-provoking exhibit on Mao-era propaganda, and enjoy live performances starting at 6 PM with the Fort Collins African Drum and Dance Collective, followed by the vibrant marimba sounds of Marimba Matatu at 7 PM. Don’t miss this celebration of art, culture, and community!

Hutch Home Co.

Featuring

La Boutique

Featuring

Locust Cider

Featuring

Mountain Standard Company

Featuring

Mugs Old Town

Featuring Helzer Vintage, Third Floor Vintage, and Foco Vintage with live music by Daniel Ondaro

Come walk, sip, and wander around Mugs Old Town this First Friday, where you’ll find live music by Daniel Ondaro (@daniel.ondaro) and a pop-up vintage experience featuring Helzer Vintage, Third Floor Vintage, and Foco Vintage. Enjoy great tunes and browse unique art and clothing. Vibes are free, cocktails and snacks for purchase!

Museum of Art

Featuring Beyond Resilience, Angle of Draw, and When All is Said and When All is Done

The current exhibition at the Museum of Art is Beyond Resilience, featuring the work of Mona Bozorgi, Odette England, Melissa Grace Kreider, Marcy Palmer, Danielle SeeWalker, Shuyuan Zhou—artists who examine the enduring impact of patriarchy on individuals and culture. Rather than glorifying resilience as a virtue, this exhibition asks why resilience is so often required—and who is expected to bear it.
We are also featuring Shawn Bush's Angle of Draw and Justin Carney's When All is Said and When All is Done.
Museum of Art Current Exhibitions

Otter Shop

Featuring Ella Rowton of Dainty Droplet Designs

My name is Ella, I was born and raised in Fort Collins Colorado and have always loved art. I enjoy telling stories through polymer clay and bringing a tiny bit of nature and color in every piece I sculpt. It's always amazing to see a small bit of clay resemble a familiar scene and see what joy that creates in people. I try very hard to put everything I have in each of my creations and I spend many days on each piece. Some are weeks in the making. I’m always learning and new designs are always in my imagination. Bringing it all out in the form of sculptures is something I’m very thrilled to experience.

Instagram: @daintydropletdesigns

Petrichor Collective Studios

Featuring

Sheri Lauren, Art

Featuring

Tellus

Featuring

The Crooked Cup

Featuring Danny Matriccino

For the August Art Walk, journey through the lens of astro/landscape photographer Danny Matriccino, whose work captures the awe-inspiring beauty of Earth and the cosmos. Blending a deep love for nature and outer space, Danny transforms night skies and rugged terrain into surreal, luminous visions that evoke both wonder and serenity. His photography invites viewers to pause, look up, and reconnect with the vast world around—and above—us. Explore more of his work on Instagram @dannymatphotography or at dannymatphotography.com.

The Masonic Event Center

Featuring Liz Ortiz, Aleah Danae, Chelsey Greenwood, Minnie Lippiatt, Benjamin Hoaglund, and Jessica McKay, with live music by Billy Wissing

For August, The Masonic Event Center is celebrating First Friday Art Walk by offering food, drinks, and live music while hosting 6 featured artists displaying a diverse selection across multiple mediums.

  1. Liz Ortiz from Mad Hare Press will be showing off her eye-catching portfolio of pieces made through the fascinating process of print-making.
  2. Aleah Danae will be displaying beautiful impressionistic and design-focused paintings, talk to her about her live wedding paintings too!
  3. Chelsey Greenwood is showing off handmade mementos and curiosities created through resin casting.
  4. Minnie Lippiatt will be offering paintings that explore nature, the animal kingdom, and the use of color.
  5. Benjamin Hoaglund is featuringing his collection of dreamy oil paintings .
  6. Jessica McKay has a diverse set of artwork, wearables, and jewelry that utilizes inventive and eclectic mediums and methods.

We're also excited to enjoy the musical stylings of Billy Wissing, jazz guitarist, who will be providing us with some relaxing tunes throughout the evening.

As always, we will conclude the First Friday Art Walk with a tour of our 100 year old building. So come check out First Friday Art Walk with us and make this August 1st historic at The Masonic Event Center!

The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop

Featuring

Trimble Court

Featuring Rachel Dawn Designs

Trimble Court Artisans has a beautiful new collection of jewelry on display for the month of August from local artist Rachel Stych of Rachel Dawn Designs. For over 15 years, Rachel Dawn Designs has drawn inspiration from the wisdom and beauty of Mother Nature. Rooted in the art of slow-made metalwork and natural gemstones, each handcrafted piece offers a minimalist reflection of nature’s raw elegance. Created in Fort Collins, CO, these designs invite wearers to connect with their inner radiance and celebrate their untamed spirit. 

Up'n Smoke

Featuring Allissa Carr

Up 'N Smoke is featuring the works of Allissa Carr. She will have paintings as well as clay miniatures for display and for sale. 

Visit Fort Collins

Featuring Blue Moose Art Gallery Artists: Judy, Susie, and Stephanie

Come Celebrate at the New Fort Collins Welcome Center turns One on August 1st! Visit Fort Collins will be hosting three artists from Blue Moose Art Gallery, Judy Scherpelz, Susie Morey and Stephanie Cox. Each artist bringing a different style, from fiber arts, fused glass, and multimedia to unique conversations! There will be light refreshments and snacks to celebrate.

Walnut Creek

Featuring

Wayward

Featuring Alex Knox

Wayward will be featuring the work of Alex Knox this month. Alex is a graphic designer & illustrator from Fort Collins Colorado, with a passion for Pop Art & Street Art. He recently found a new passion for painting two years ago and has been working on a small collection of unique acrylic pop art paintings. Inspired by artists like Kaws and Banksy. Alex's art mixes the vibrance of bright color and silly ideas with a touch of darker undertones. 

West + Main Homes

Featuring Bonnie Ward

This month West and Main Homes will be hosting Bonnie Ward, the artist behind The Bonnie Studio, a venture she launched in 2016, specializing in high-end watercolor pet portraits. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Bonnie’s work captures the unique essence of each animal with lifelike precision. In addition to her pet portraits, she creates landscape illustrations inspired by her road trips and travels, bringing scenes from the open road to life with a distinctive, natural style. Currently based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Bonnie continues to craft one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate both the bond between pets and their owners and the beauty of the world around us.


Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided and the artist will be raffling off a free portrait.

Instagram: @thebonniestudio


RAFFLE INFORMATION: Please note that during the event ONLY (Friday, August 1st) Bonnie will be offering a raffle for participants to enter for a FREE unframed 9x12 watercolor single pet portrait ($150 value). Sign up will be at the event only and one submission per person. The selection process will take place the following Monday on Instagram.

Wolverine Farm

Featuring local muralists Allie Ogg and Chelsea Gilmore with live music from Anika Pyle

Join us at Wolverine Farm for the opening reception of "Rebellion", a new body of work by local muralists, Allie Ogg and Chelsea Gilmore, with live music by Anika Pyle (full band show). This collaborative exhibit is a collection of layered paintings as an homage to weeds and the wisdom we gain from their existence. The exhibit speaks to the tenderness of humanity, strength in community, and the adaptation and survival of hope. We are the weeds. We are the resistance.