There has been a lot of confusion about the First Friday schedule this summer and the Roosevelt Row’s Phoestivals. In a nutshell, First Friday will happen as it always has on the First Friday in July, August and so one. Roosevelt Row’s Phoestival will take a vacation during the months of July and August. Below is the actual press release on the subject as well as a summary on where you can enjoy First Friday Festivities. By the way, the next First Friday is July 2nd, 2010.
Roosevelt Street Phoestival to go on hiatus in July and August
First Friday summer schedule still sizzles in Downtown neighborhoods including Grand Avenue, Melrose on 7th and Roosevelt Row
Phoenix, AZ – “Phoestival”, the Roosevelt Row CDC street festival component of downtown’s popular First Friday art walk will go on a short hiatus during the months of July and August, but will return in September.
“Due to the summer heat, Roosevelt Row will forgo hosting the Phoestival street closure for these two months,” said Jennifer Delgado of Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation.
There will be numerous other events and venues that will continue to participate in First Friday on July 2, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. “Art lovers who live in metro Phoenix or are visiting from out-of-town can tour more than 70 galleries and other art-related venues on July 2nd,” said Sloane Burwell of Artlink.
“Since there will not be street festival vending opportunities on Roosevelt Street for First Friday during July and August, we encourage exhibiting artists and crafters to contact local art venues such as eye lounge, 515 arts, Conspire, MADE, Practical Art, Grow-op and others to exhibit work on an on-going basis,” said Greg Esser of Roosevelt Row CDC.
For July and August, artists are offered an exhibition opportunity in Heritage Park at no cost. Artists must have both City of Phoenix and Arizona privilege tax licenses to participate. For additional information, contact Artlink’s Sean Deckert at seandinaz@gmail.com.
The public is encouraged to use the Metro Light Rail to experience First Fridays. Each downtown Phoenix light rail station features exhibits and programming within easy walking distance.
“We hope that the public takes advantage of our free shuttles to explore other neighborhoods and new venues,” said Burwell. “We encourage the public to come downtown and support the galleries and businesses in Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue and Melrose on 7th during First Fridays as well as the many other areas of downtown participating in the free monthly Artlink Phoenix First Fridays.”
A list of July’s First Friday scheduled activities can be found at www.artlinkphoenix.com or www.rooseveltrow.org. A map with the latest information, including light rail and parking options, is available at www.artlinkphoenix.com. Artlink’s First Friday map and shuttle information can also be picked up at the Phoenix Art Museum during the July 2nd First Friday. The Phoenix Art Museum serves as the Artlink Phoenix First Fridays headquarters and departure point for free shuttles that travel to the destinations list below as well as numerous others. Free parking is also available at the Phoenix Art Museum.
The public can enjoy First Friday activities at the following venues:
Downtown Phoenix
Heritage and Science Park, including the Arizona Science Center
Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center (ALAC)Grand Avenue
Jodre Studio
Kooky Krafts ShopMelrose on 7th Avenue
Blueberry Deluxe Boutique
Willow NorthRoosevelt Row
515 arts
The Lost LeafMcDowell District
After Hours Gallery
Garfield GalleriaThese are just examples of over fifty spaces that are part of First Friday’s during the summer. Please visit Artlinkphoenix.com for a full list of venues participating in First Fridays!
About Artlink Phoenix
Artlink, Inc. is one of the oldest, all-volunteer run, 501(c)3 arts organizations in central Phoenix. Its mission is to facilitate and enhance existing First Friday events, including a monthly art walk, annual Art Detour self-guided tour, and a juried exhibition at the historic A.E. England Building. A monthly e-newsletter and website keep interested individuals informed about its events, community activities, and opportunities for and about local artists. For more information, visit www.artlinkphoenix.com
About Roosevelt Row CDC
Roosevelt Row CDC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to further the unique character and assets of the Roosevelt Street corridor connecting the four historic neighborhoods immediately north of the core – Garfield, Evans Churchill, Roosevelt and F.Q. Story. The organization also advocates for the continuing role of the arts in the revitalization of downtown Phoenix and fosters a dense, diverse and walkable urban environment. Programs include an annual business directory, new murals, tree plantings, and support for new and existing businesses and community organizations in the area. For more information, visit www.rooseveltrow.orgHope you enjoy First Friday happening on July 2nd. If you have a bit of FF news to lend, post it here on The Urban Connection so others can know what you know.