Downtown Goshen, Inc. is pleased to announce that—although summer is in the books—its beloved First Fridays series shows no signs of letting up. The month of October presents the longstanding First Fridays Arts Tour, October 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. The Arts Tour, in turning downtown Goshen into a veritable, sprawling collage of exhibits and displays, gives local artists the rare opportunity to connect with groups of potential fans, followers, and buyers in a relaxed, interactive, and festive environment.
The First Fridays Arts Tour gives aesthetes and newcomers alike the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind pieces to call their own while supporting some of the area’s most dedicated and inspiring artists. The Arts Tour also offers activities and exhibits for kids, entertainment and special performances, and downtown Goshen’s many restaurants, drinking establishments, and retailers will be ready to provide First Fridays revelers with outstanding dining, drinking, and shopping options.
Sculptor, and Goshen College graduate, Sunday Mahaja—of Mahaja Arts—presents his unique work at The Elephant Bar, 227 S. Main Street, and ceramic artist Sadie Misiuk and metalwork jeweler Kayci Detweiler present work at Goshen Brewing Co., 315 W. Washington Street.
“The Arts Tour has been a downtown Goshen tradition for more than 10 years, and once again we’re seeing really strong participation from our local artists, and from so many of our establishments,” said Amanda McMahon, Director of First Fridays. “This is an event that allows the community to have a closer interaction with the work of local artists, and the artists themselves. It’s a unique setting. It’s different from other arts events, and that’s part of the reason this has been a success through the years. Our arts scene is diverse and thriving, and that has played a big part in Goshen’s vibrancy and momentum. The Arts Tour is our small way to pay tribute to the arts community and introduce and support our artists, all while positively impacting the sustainability of our downtown businesses.”
Additional Arts Tour participants include Goshen Community Schools—presenting an Elementary Art Showcase at Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, 106 N. Main Street; Heather Potsander, displaying at The Imagination Spot, 111 E. Washington Street; painter Mark Daniels, of Mark Daniels Arts, showing his vibrant and colorful work at Fables Books, 215 S. Main Street; and Naila Suleiman, presenting her multimedia work at the Maple City Market, 314 S. Main Street. Found, 208 S. Main Street, features the Graber Family Showcase, and ADEC—a non-profit organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, located at 114 E. Lincoln Avenue—showcases the work of its residents.
Deb Potis presents her photography at Green Oaks of Goshen, 314 S. Main Street, Fairfield High School presents a collective of various works at the Goshen Elks Lodge, 220 N. Main Street, Stephanie McDairmant displays her paintings at the Inn on South Fifth, 320 S. Fifth Street, and Jessie Swihart presents ceramics at The Nut Shoppe, 204 S. Main Street. Performance art is scheduled at both Goshen Art House, 216 S. Main Street, and Phoenix Performing Arts, 211 S. Main Street, and a special dance performance by Epic Dance Studio is planned at the Irwin Arts Building, 113 E. Lincoln Avenue.
“Taller Chaparro”—11×15” (image) woodblock relief print by Ramiro Rodriguez, 2006.
Photo courtesy of Ramiro Rodrigue
The October First Fridays Arts Tour, October 6 from 5 – 8 p.m., will present a dynamic collage of displays throughout downtown Goshen for local artists—including Ramiro Rodriguez, Mark Daniels, Heather Potsander, Dorothy Carter, Jessie Swihart, Bruce Bishop, and others—to showcase their work and connect with potential fans and buyers in a relaxed, interactive, and festive environment. Kids activities and exhibits, performances, in-store promotions, and specials with participating businesses and restaurants are all in the mix for the October First Fridays Arts Tour.