Two New Venues For "First Friday" Art Walk

By Bryan Mercer

Two New Venues For "First Friday" Art Walk
February 18, 2012 Updated Feb 18, 2012 at 9:11 AM EST

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Diverse creative expression at two new First Friday venues, a national dance company performance, and several locations with Irish themes highlight Binghamton, NY’s next First Friday Art Walk on March 2.

At the first of two new venues downtown, United Presbyterian Church at First Presbyterian Church (42 Chenango St.) will host “The Human Costs of War and Pathways to Peace,” a presentation of artwork, music, videos and a model drone.

This presentation, sponsored by the Broome County Council of Churches and many veteran, peace and justice groups, will examine the emotional, psychological, environmental, financial and spiritual impact of war to soldiers, civilians, children and civilized society.

At the second new First Friday venue, Keri’s Salon and Spa (163 Washington St., next to Metrocenter), there’s a grand opening celebration, featuring music, tarot readings and 10-minute chair massage from 6-9 PM.

While art walking downtown, be sure to catch the nationally acclaimed Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company’s free community performances at the Broome County Arts Council/BCAC (81 State St., 5th Fl., Stephens Sq.) on First Friday at 6:15 and 7:15 PM. These two free dance performances are part of Paul Taylor 2 Dance Co.’s first ever residency at Binghamton University with a full production on Sat., March 10, at BU’s Anderson Center. Also, on exhibit at BCAC and open on First Friday is: “An Ongoing Journey: Paintings by Artist Joseph H. Lindsley” - A Life’s Work in Pastels, Watercolor, Drawing & Collage, which continues through Mar. 23, 2012.

Art walk enthusiasts can also enjoy some Irish themed shows this First Friday at:
**Lost Dog Cafe (222 Water St.): Irish Sounds of The Grady Girls, performing authentic Irish jigs and reels, slides and polkas of southwest Ireland, from 7-9 PM, and an exhibit in the restaurant by Mask Maker/Artist E. L. Downey with Finely Sculpted Leather Masks & Wearable Art (Thru Mar. 2012).

**RiverRead Books (5 Court St.): Music by Celtimorphosis, Celtic jazz fusion with Brian Hyland (Anglo & English concertinas, pennywhistle, harmonica, flute, accordion, bodhran & bones), and Chris Woodard (guitar & mandolin), from 7-9 PM. Featured exhibit for March: Photographer Geoff Gould: “China” - Photos.

**Garland Gallery (116 Gorgeous Washington St.): Irish Tunes of “Paddy O’Raube” a.k.a. Pat Raube, singer/songwriter, from 6-9 PM. Also, 30% off everything on the walls on First Friday.This First Friday Art Walk is presented by Gorgeous Washington Street Association (GWSA) and sponsored by M&T Bank, will feature 30 locations in Binghamton, downtown, west side, and south side, and open March 2 from 6-9 PM, unless noted otherwise.The First Friday schedule is subject to change without notice.There’s no BC Transit Trolley rides or tours during this First Friday Art Walk. Trolley rides and tours resume in the spring for the May 4 First Friday Art Walk.

For more information on March 2 First Friday, contact Nicole Howard (Interim Chair of Gorgeous Washington Street Association/GWSA) at Lost Dog Cafe, 771-6063, or visit GWSA’s website at:www.gorgeouswashington.com.