Kickoff the Month with Some Color and Pizazz

Southeast students looking for something fun and free to do on a Friday night can attend Cape Girardeau's First Friday with the Arts for a different kind of night out.

First Friday is held downtown every first Friday of the month from 5-9 p.m.

According to Peter Nguyen, director of the Crisp Museum on Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, First Friday is when the galleries have opening receptions for new exhibits. These receptions include free food, entertainment and wine, where the artists display and hope to sell their work. A free shuttle service takes visitors to and from all galleries.

Judy Barks-Westrich, a local artist and owner of The Artist Studio on North Main Street, is an avid First Friday participant. Barks-Westrich does not bring in other individual artists or traveling exhibits but instead showcases her own work during First Friday.

"We're all different [the galleries] and, you know, that's the beauty of it," Barks-Westrich said. "Some of the work will be realistic. Some will be abstract. Others will be functional or even 3D. It gives everyone an idea of the area of the arts -- what's all involved."

There are about ten galleries, with something for everyone. Eustis Studios specializes in sculptures. Edward Bernard Gallery concentrates on glass art. The Bilderbach Art Plaza contains four different art studios and one photography studio.

The Arts Council on North Main Street is one of the more popular venues. It is made up of three distinct galleries. According to Barks-Westrich, this is where First Friday goers would see the most variety in one stop.

The Jean A. Chapman Gallery, located inside the Arts Council, is where 49 local artists, known as the Visual Arts Co-operative, present their new exhibits each month.

"It's important for people to know -- the members of the co-op are not full-time artists," Barks-Westrich said. "Many of them have full-time professions with art as just an interest. It makes people stop and think, 'Oh, I don't really have to be a full-time professional artist to be involved in this experience.' No, you just have to love art."

Lemon Yuen, a graduate student at Southeast, may not be interested in producing anything art related, but enjoys the First Friday evening downtown.

"I just like to look at what other people are doing," Yuen said. "[I] Wonder what went on in their head to make them want to paint what they did. It has to be a very interesting thought process, that's for sure."

Not only will the galleries be open in December for First Friday, but all the downtown merchants will be open as well, catering to the holiday season. The merchants staying open later than usual to join the First Friday helps to add a more festive feel overall.

"Just take the time to attend a First Friday, whether it's December or March," Barks-Westrich said. "It's a nice way to do something a little different. It's great for couples, great for friends - just great for everyone."