First Friday Art walk Survial Guide the summer edition

The First Friday Art walk in Portland has become a thing of legend.

For the art seasoned veterans it's a rockus night out; art'n, imbibing and socializing with the like minded.  For the Art walk rookies it can be a bit daunting or perhaps a feeling like salmon schooling, no it's more like being herded down congress with purpose but without concrete goal or agenda.  Now there is something about that experience that can be appealing but for me I favor the art tour with a mission, a plan!  Saying that I have participated in more art walks than I can remember.  Actually I have participated in some so aggressively I can't remember few if any details for those who'll listen I offer these words of art walk survival.
Remember the acronym  PEFFF!
Plan

Make a plan, perhaps you want to see 5 galleries or you want to see at least this one gallery , then construct a progression of galleries that you can see incorporating the target "Must See" gallery.  There are several resources to help you: the Portland Phoenix, Thursdays Press Herald Go section or the First Friday website which lists all of the participating galleries and info on current exhibits! (click on word plan for link to map w/all the galleries)  

Early
Get there early, sounds easier said then done.  It is very hard to get into Portland at 5:00pm when the first Friday art walk starts but if you do you'll get more galleries in and have more time to mingle enjoy the vibe, chat with friends, meet new folks. All galleries open and start it up at 5:00pm and almost all go to 8:00pm, if the gallery space in in a bar (Genos great example) then they stay open much much later... fact is 3 hours goes by very fast and if you knock it down to 2 hours you've just lost a third of your art time. Try to get there early .

Brotherhood of Orangewand by Dave Wade
Dave Wade & Jim Kelly
@ Addison Wholley Gallery June 1-31st

Family

Art walk is a great opportunity to get together with your family! If they Love art fantastic, if they don't turn them onto some and go share a bite to eat after. 
Friends
Love to spend time with the folks in your circle go get some culture with them, experience the Portcity at it's warm weather finest
Fun 
Always remember it's about finding the fun in the adventure of a walking tour,  Go Girls night out or Art Boys only! What ever floats ya, bottom line take time to enjoy the journey, stop for a slice of butternut squash-feta-scallion delight at Otto's Pizza, or a craft brew at Space Gallery, make your tour a FUN tour!



There are too many galleries to see in one tour so pick an area and work it.
Here is the quick version of Portland Art Areas and don't miss venues in those areas:
Washington St-Monjoy hill (never crowded always friendly lots of surprises)
  Portland Pottery -Addison Wholley - Ben Combs Portland Glass Blowing - Willa Wirth Silver Design - Elizabeth Frasier's Studio - Front Room for food & drink
Upper Exchange-Upper Old Port (The best: art, stop and enjoy a beverage tour going)

Accusisco - Grill Room for a Screaming Viking - Trinket & Fern - Bard Coffee- Big Easy - Maine Potters Market
Congress Lower Arts District (Monument Square - High Street) (Most Popular, always crowed)
Portland Library Lewis Gallery - Whitney Art Works  - Maine College of Art galleries - The Gleason- Salt Gallery - Susan Maasch fine Art - Space Gallery - Strange Maine - (get a slice at Ottos) - Portland Museum of Art
Upper Congress Artsy District (High Street - Longfellow Square) Lots of art, food, people & music
Portland Museum of Art - Art Studios in State Theatre Building (enter 145 High Street over 40 studios) - 9-Hands - Heather Ready - Daunis Jewelry Studio -Mesa Verde for Pitchers (not Pictures)of Margaretta's - Green Hand Bookstore - Genos - end at One Longfellow for music or the Noodle house for sake & noodle!

Upper Forrest (1 block off congress, never to crowed always unique)Ed Pollocks A Fine thing - Sanctuary Tattoo

There you have a snapshot at First Friday Art touring in Portland.  Make a night of it, go out and discuss your "best of evening" art experience. 

So Why go out?  Why get some culcha in the PortCity?  

Because your good mind Needs Good Art! 






Gallery Talk receives no endorsements from WMPG, the Art Galleries or eating & Drinking establishments listed, I will admit that I have test driven these tours and they work, try them with your friends and send me the results from your evening critiques.
Also send me your suggestion for favorite tours, love to hear about'm. 

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