Purple – First Friday Art Gallery | Red – First Friday Host
Hosted by Local First, Durango Creative District, and The ArtRoom Collective
Celebrate Durango’s creative side! Every month across Durango, local businesses, galleries, and the spaces in between host artists of all kinds. Find live music, original performances, featured artist showcases, and artisan pop-up markets all across town.
Be a part of the fun! Showcase and support our community’s local art and creative scene by listing your Durango First Friday event.
List of Events
May 3rd | 4-7pm
Join us on First Friday, and shop our spring/summer selection featuring brand new styles fresh in from Thailand, perfect for the free spirit in you!
May 3 | 4-7pm
What do AI, processing emotions and art have in common? Christine Mulholland! The Mullholand Family Art & Photography have been exploring AI-inspired art and they find it to be both fun and therapeutic. Christine Mulholland and family start with an emotion and idea, and then engage with the AI technology as if it were a trusted friend to produce a wide range of notecards and art. Their notecards are currently being sold at Durango Coffee, Maria’s Bookstore and There’s No Place Like Home.
At 5:30, Christine will demonstrate her AI process, and will take requests from anyone to create or modify an image. She will also discuss her RememberStuff software – an art computer program which is a way to provide care and restore dignity and independence for a loved one with dementia.
May 3rd | 5-7pm
Join us for Durango’s First Friday artwalk, where you can meet the artist herself, Robin Jones, and explore a carefully curated collection of her paintings.
May 3rd | 5-9pm
Open Reception for Cayrl Goode
Join us for the opening reception for Caryl’s show. It will be available to view throughout the month of May in The Upstairs Loft Gallery.
After completing a MFA at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, Caryl Goode spent the next years working in New York City and Woodstock, NY. In NYC she was Creative Director of a graphic design studio, Quad Left, Inc. Upon moving upstate, she continued to work with the Quad Left, in addition to freelancing in Graphic Design, Illustration and commercial Jewelry Design.
May 3rd | 5-7pm
We are partnering with TESStastic for “warming spirit” mocktail evenings every Friday from 3:30-6 pm! Come down to the shop to sample or purchase New/Old Fashions & Hot TessToddy’s with tea or Wild Margaritas, and/or Cosmos (available in cranberry, orange, raspberry, and hibiscus flavors). There will be free tastings, single drinks for $5, and bottles of the mixers available for purchase. Make it a date night or bring your friends to to discover the fun sober side of Durango. Plus, you’ll wake up the next day hydrated and replenished.
May 3rd | 4-7pm
POTS AND PINTS – CERAMIC SLAB-BUILDING HAPPY HOUR – WHIMSICAL SCULPTURE
May 3rd | Open until 8pm!
Join us for First Friday and explore our collection of locally made glass art and fine jewelry. Discover unique pieces for your home or as gifts, and learn about our upcoming glass art classes. We look forward to welcoming you! Sun Sapphires – 640 main ave, suite 201 upstairs. open until 8pm
Participate as a Business or Artist!
Any and all stores are welcome to participate in Durango First Friday from the north side of town to the south. Thanks to the generosity of the city of Durango, there will be free bus and trolly services every First Friday to accommodate ease of getting from one end of town to the other easily and safely.
Visit the links below to register your First Friday event, add your name to list of interested artists, and download First Friday promo material.
Durango First Friday FAQs
What is this event all about?
Free and open to the public, this self guided, monthly event will take place rain or shine, the First Friday of every month throughout Durango with a focus on main street from north to south! We are just getting this off the ground, but hope for First Fridays to become a signature event for the city of Durango. Businesses of any and all kinds open their doors and their walls to host an artist of their choice and follow a “reception” format- artist info, beverages and/or snacks provided, maybe even a musician- while locals and tourists alike flood the area to socialize, shop, eat, and celebrate the arts in all forms.
How do I participate?
Sign up and register your business here! It’s free and easy. Just answer a few questions on this form so we have your info for our marketing and outreach materials. We’ll add you to our website, post on social media, and even list where you’re located on our map.
When and where does it take place?
The first Friday of every month starting in May from 4-8pm. Any and all stores are welcome to participate from the north side of town to the south. Thanks to the generosity of the city of Durango, there will be free bus and trolly services every First Friday to accommodate ease of getting from one end of town to the other easily and safely.
How much does it cost?
It’s free to host and participate. Artists of course, are welcome to sell the pieces they’re showcasing.
Do I have to host an artist to participate?
Although it is not required, it is strongly encouraged. There are so many talented artists in our community and this special day each month is a place for them to showcase these talents- this could be art hung on a wall, music, slam poetry, and the list goes on and all ages are welcome! Just put the word out there that you are looking to host an artist or contact your favorite to get started. View this list of interested artists.
How do I host an artist?
Looking for an artist? Put the word out there to friends and use social media. Post something and tag DCD or Local First and we’ll repost to the artist community. Each business is asked to take the lead on communicating with the artist community to find a monthly showcase.
Serving alcohol?
You’ll need to apply ahead of time and practice compliance. Special Event Liquor permit applications must be submitted to the City of Durango 30 days prior to the event. Please plan a well in advance and follow the city guidelines listed here.
What’s in it for me?
Increased street traffic downtown from north to south main! More visibility, great marketing, increased sales, celebration of art and culture, and a whole lotta fun!
