It's the beginning of another year--one that many of the more mystically-minded among us thought we'd never see. The Mayans weren't wrong, per se (spoiler: it was the people who read the Mayan calendars incorrectly that were wrong), but 2012 wasn't the last year of human civilization, and we've all got the raging hangovers to prove it. But don't get complacent--eat a big brunch and shake off that headache, because the first First Friday of 2013 is at hand! You're going to need to be ready, mentally and physically, to get out there and see everything our great local galleries have to show you. So drink plenty of water, go put that gym membership you just bought to good use, and we'll see you this Friday on the Art Walk! Here are some things you can expect to see when you arrive:
1708 Gallery: The Obstruction Of Action
1708 Gallery is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, R Eric McMaster: The Obstruction of Action. Through sculptural, photographic and video works, R Eric McMaster presents documentation and artifacts of sports events in which athletes have performed under unusual conditions. By intensifying the viewer’s awareness of the conventions and agreements to which the athletes are bound through their participation in an organized competition, The Obstruction of Action explores issues of complicity, vulnerability and social hierarchy.
The Obstruction Of Action opens on First Friday, January 4, with a reception from 5-9 PM at 1708 Gallery, located at 319 W. Broad St. The exhibit will remain on display through February 16, 2013. There will be a gallery talk with the artist on Thursday, January 31 at 6:30 pm.
The Gallery At UNOS: Spirit Medicine & 8 Days In St. Vincent
The Gallery At UNOS presents two different exhibitions: Spirit Medicine and 8 Days In St. Vincent.
Spirit Medicine features art supported by OMNiCiTY, a non-profit that is dedicated to the wellness of Central and Eastern Virginia's First Nations communities. The exhibition highlights art from the Chickahominy, Mattaponi, and Pamunkey Indians which are among the 11 state recognized tribes in Virginia. The 2nd Annual Virginia Health Summit will be held February 16, 2013 at The Gallery At UNOS. Learn more at www.omnicity.org.
8 Days In St. Vincent by photographer Tom Veazey is a photo-documentary of the miraculous work of the World Pediatric Project in this developing nation and the many young lives that were dramatically changed. The photos were taken November 10-17 during a Pediatric Orthopedic/Scoliosis Mission trip. World Pediatric Project believes everyone can heal a child and save the world. Visit www.worldpediatricproject.org and vzphoto.com.
Spirit Medicine and 8 Days In St. Vincent will open with a reception on First Friday, January 4, from 5-7:30 PM at The Gallery At UNOS, located at 700 N. 4th St. Both exhibitions will remain on display through February 23.
Art6: Splash & The Game Of Life
Capicu!, Helene Ruiz
Art6 presents two exhibitions this month. In their main gallery, Splash, a group exhibit of works by a variety of artists; and in their front room gallery, The Game Of Life, the first-time showing of this complete series by Helene Ruiz, depicting "surreal take on Life with an urban/game-like twist."
Splash and The Game Of Life will premiere with a reception on First Friday, January 4, from 6-10 PM at Art6, located at 6 E. Broad St. The reception will feature a live performance by Sharon Rae North, and a live broadcast by Sweet Lou Hidalgo of The Latin Jazz and Salsa Show on WCLM 1450 AM.
VACLAA: Guadalajara in 35mm
Guadalajara In 35mm is "an exhibit of photos taken by children on 35mm disposable cameras at Miravalle, a shelter for sexually abused children in Guadalajara, Mexico." The exhibit is curated by Christine Stoddard of Quail Bell Press, with the generous support of Virginia Commonwealth University's Global Education Office, the University of Guadalajara, and the Virginia Center for Latin American Art. The exhibit will be on display at 401 W. Broad St on First Friday, January 4, from 6-10 PM.
Richmond Public Library: James River Alive!, Abstract Distraction & A Potpourri Of Color
Dorothy A. Holmes
Richmond Public Library presents three different exhibitions. James River Alive! features color photos of abstract designs created by the rapids and rocks of the James River, by Scott Weaver. Abstract Distraction is a collection of oils, fused glass and ceramics inspired by nature, color and contemporary issues, by Richmond artist David Didra. A Potpourri Of Color is an exhibit of watercolors and oils by Tappahannock artist Dorothy A. Holmes. These exhibits will premiere with a reception on First Friday, January 4, from 6:30-9 PM, at the main branch of the Richmond Public Library, located at 101 E. Franklin St.
Quirk Gallery: Ben Hill & Tyler Thomas
Tyler Thomas
Quirk Gallery presents an exhibition of new works by Ben Hill and Tyler Thomas. The work of these artists will go on display with a preview on Thursday, January 3 from 5-8 PM, and a First Friday opening on Friday, January 4 from 5-9 PM, at Quirk Gallery, located at 311 W. Broad St. The exhibits will remain on display through the month of January.
Red Door Gallery: New Works by Tom Hale
Tom Hale, Abstract 2, 18"x 32", acrylic on canvas
Red Door Gallery presents an exhibition of new works by Tom Hale. "Tom has been a staple on the Richmond Arts Scene for some time, and is breaking away from his traditional landscapes with new abstract landscapes." This exhibition will premiere with an opening reception on First Friday, January 4, from 6- 9 PM, at Red Door Gallery, located at 1607 W. Main St. The exhibit will remain on display throughout the month of January.
Glave Kocen Gallery: Size Doesn't Matter
Glave Kocen presents their 6th annual small works invitational art show, Size Doesn't Matter, entirely composed of works 16"x20" or smaller. Artists in this year's show include Ed Trask, Maggie Siner, Steve Hedberg, Diego Sanchez, Greg Osterhaus, Steven Walker and more.
Size Doesn't Matter will premiere with an opening reception on First Friday, January 4, from 6-9 PM, at Glave Kocen Gallery, located at 1620 W. Main St. The exhibition will remain on display through January 26.
Uptown Gallery: Where The Wild Things Are
Uptown Gallery presents its annual new year’s All-Member show, “Where the Wild Things Are”, from the title of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book. From slightly wild to “far out”, from realistic to abstract, Uptown Gallery artists offer their interpretations of “wild” and where it can be found. Whether serious or wacky, these works offer current insights into modern American culture. Large and small works by nearly 30 artists include oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolors & collage.
Where The Wild Things Are premieres January 2, and will have an opening reception on First Friday, January 4, from 6-9 PM at Uptown Gallery, located at 1305 W. Main St. The exhibit will remain on display through February 23.
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Artists! Galleries! Would you like your future First Friday events covered in these monthly articles? We might hear about your event anyway, but why leave it to chance? Email us your press releases: andrew@rvamag.com.