The best things to do at First Friday: Welcome a new gallery and listen to Indigenous beats

Sofia Krusmark, Arizona Republic
·4 min read

First Friday is back in full swing in October and while the annual Chaos Theory art exhibition featuring 72 local artists at Legend City Studio will be the biggest draw downtown, there are plenty of other great events you shouldn't miss.

From a new gallery opening in the Melrose District to an art exhibition that spotlights the homeless community, here are the top things to see during October First Friday in Phoenix.

‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’ at Olney Gallery

Paula Cullison will feature her works at Phoenix's First Friday event at Olney Gallery.
Paula Cullison will feature her works at Phoenix's First Friday event at Olney Gallery.

Two photographers, Paula Cullison and Gina Santi, will present photos taken across Latin America in their upcoming exhibition, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” with images from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru and Cuba. Cullison is an international travel writer and photographer, and Santi is an anthropologist photographer who will share several photos of Mayan people and their culture.

The raw, colorful works offer a glimpse of daily life, from a Mayan man making a straw hat to a Cuban woman on the street smoking a cigar in her technicolored dress.

The First Friday event will run from 6 to 9 p.m.

Details: 6 to 9 p.m. The Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. trinitycathedral.com/arts-music/olney-gallery.

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‘Dignity’ at New City Studio

This multi artist, multi medium exhibit has one underlying mission: Bringing dignity and awareness to people experiencing homelessness in downtown Phoenix.

Brian Boner will feature his art works at New City Studio's "Dignity" exhibition.
Brian Boner will feature his art works at New City Studio's "Dignity" exhibition.

New City Studio will be partnering with the Justice and Care ministry of New City Church for this emotional, powerful exhibition titled, “Dignity.” The show will feature art works across various mediums including painting, textile art, metalwork, photography, poetry and video from local artists and organizations, including Phoenix Muralists Brian Boner and Jayarr Steiner and Kids in Focus, an organization that teaches photography classes to kids who have experienced homelessness.

Before the show, members of the community can attend a dinner sponsored by Phoenix Rescue Mission to share a meal with people experiencing homelessness. The suggested donation for the meal is $25.

Details: 7 to 10 p.m. at New City Studio, 1300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. newcitystudio.org.

Grand opening of Savidan Gallery

Diana Calerdon will feature her photographs at Savidan Gallery's grand opening.
Diana Calerdon will feature her photographs at Savidan Gallery's grand opening.

The newest gallery in the Melrose District is hosting a grand opening that will feature an array of paintings and photographs by local artists Judith Ann Miller, Tara Sharpe, Summer Raine Young, Diana Calderon, Tara Logsdon and Cheryle Marine.

Sunny’s Gyros Food Truck will serve Mediterranean food and Boozy Bar Trailers will provide a cash bar. Singer and songwriter Heather Fallon will perform original songs and covers of 70s folk and Broadway numbers.

Details: 4 to 8 p.m. at Savidan Gallery,  555 W. Turney Ave. #200, Phoenix. savidangallery.com.

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‘Indigenous Beats’ at the Herberger Theater Center

Herberger Theater will kick off its First Friday “live” events this October with live Indigenous music in its plaza. The event will feature drumming, Native dancing and storytelling by Roman Orana and Ish Hish Itasaatsu, also known as One Who Dances With Eagles.

The event will also feature live art demonstrations by Indigenous artist Kyrtsen Zhoni and art activities for kids. The Herberger Theater Spotlight Bar will be open with drinks and food for sale.

Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. herbergertheater.org.

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35 Years of Pete Petrisko at the Lost Leaf

Local artist Pete Petrisko has shown art in the Valley for more than 30 years. And this First Friday he reflects on his past and future in "35 Years Onward: The Art of Pete Petrisko" at Lost Leaf.

Pete Petrisko will feature his "35 Years Onward" exhibition at The Lost Leaf in downtown Phoenix for First Friday.
Pete Petrisko will feature his "35 Years Onward" exhibition at The Lost Leaf in downtown Phoenix for First Friday.

His work has evolved through the years, from photography to performance art like tiny golden sculptures hidden across the Valley. This exhibition will show it all, from pieces dating back to 1987 to new works that haven't been seen before. His works will be on display for a month starting Oct. 7.

Details: 5 p.m. to closing. The show opens Oct. 7. Lost Leaf, 914 N. Fifth St., Phoenix. facebook.com/PetePetrisko.

Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix First Friday: Best things to do at the October downtown event