If variety is the spice of life, then think of this week’s First Friday as a smorgasboard of tangy treats. No matter what your taste in art, you’ll find something to please your palate. New encaustic works by Kathy Smith celebrating darkness and light. Paintings and drawings in various media by Michael E. Murray. Paintings inspired by nature from Brianna Bryngelson.
A potpourri of fashion, art, jewelry and gifts from artists throughout the Northwest. Plus, a silent auction fundraiser for a scholarship fund for students of the arts.
Bunnell Street Arts Center
106 W. Bunnell Ave.
New Works on Paper, paintings by Kathy Smith
5-7 p.m., First Friday Opening Reception
6 p.m., artist’s talk
One of the early pioneers in Homer’s encaustic movement, artist Kathy Smith’s new works are bold assemblages of
ink, wax and papers mounted on boards or hanging from wooden rods. Smith writes, “These works were begun two years ago, during the time of the autumn equinox. They celebrate the duality of darkness and light, and the balance between night and day. They are a loose assemblage of transparency, texture, composition, memory, poetry, dreams and sense of place. “
Fireweed Gallery
475 E. Pioneer Ave.
Mixin’ It Up, mixed media by Michael E. Murray
5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception
Known for his sketches and watercolor paintings of Homer musicians, local artist Michael E. Murray presents paintings and drawings in various media, including ink, watercolor
and acrylic. A retired school teacher and administrator, Murray is a signature member of the Alaska Watercolor Society and active member of the Kachemak Bay Watercolor Society. He has been featured in several juried shows and received honors in shows in Homer, Kenai and Anchorage. A common theme to his art is that they almost always have a story to them. Some of his musician friends will play at the opening.
Homer Council on the Arts
344 W. Pioneer Ave.
Paintings Inspired by Connectedness with Nature,
by Brianna Bryngelson
5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception
7:30 p.m., Gallery concert with Joanne and Monte
A graduate of the College of Visual Arts, St. Paul, Minn., Brianna Bryngelson moved to Homer in 2008. “My purpose as an artist is to create,” she writes. “During that process I find an undisturbed stillness where creativity circulates through my whole being and the process is set into motion. Painting is my instrument that I use to share my inspirations with the world. My work is inspired by interconnectedness and nature. Working with abstract, stylized organic shapes and patterns, landscapes and animals, my goal is to produce a beautiful and harmonious image.”
Joann and Monte perform a gallery concert after
the art opening.
Picture Alaska
448 E. Pioneer Ave.
Northwest Goods, a potpourri of fashion, art, jewelry
and gifts created by hand in the Great Northwest
5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception
This show will feature pottery by Caralyn Kieckhaefer of “The Wildcat Lake Pottery” studio, a coastal collection of sterling jewelry by Catherine Stemper, glass platters by Tam Johannes, beaded earrings and necklaces by Jo Bird, ornaments by Chaum and April Spehar and more. Just for the fun of it, all purchases store-wide during the reception will receive a 10 percent discount.
Ptarmigan Arts
Back Room Gallery
471 E. Pioneer Ave.
Scholarship Fundraiser, art and other items by various artists
5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception
The Ptarmigan Arts Scholarship Committee sponsors the second annual Scholarship Fundraiser Silent Auction during the month of November. Like last year’s auction, this fundraiser includes art and adventure. Art includes work by Ed Tussey, Robert Nelson and R.W. “Toby” Tyler, as well as donations from members of the gallery. The fundraiser supports the Ptarmigan Arts scholarship fund for students of the arts.