I put this out there expecting backlash, but seriously. Every time i go out there is seems worse and worse, street wise (not galleries). I wont mention the specifics, but i think i am in need of convincing that this is somehow beneficial for our neighborhood and not an extension of the bad rep that the weekend club denizens give us.

I use to love First Fridays but over the last four years it has been in decline. As the "real" galleries move or close up it will only get worse. As i spend more time in Chelsea for their Art After Dark it makes me think of what First Friday could have been. I actually think Old City has more salons and sushi joints than galleries.


Btw what was with the police all over the intersection of 3rd and cherry ?

Everyone looks and no one buys-its why the cool galleries keep going under. I don't know how many times I've heard people say "wow, that's cool", and when they walk away I look at the price, and it's usually within anyone's reach.

No one understands that galleries don't give out wine and cheese because they are nonprofits-and they have long learned that putting out the good hooch doesn't translate to sales, so they have all become cheap the past couple seasons.

If you won't mention specifics, how do we know what you are implying?

I usually try to go every several months doing the better weather and I still enjoy it. I usually make a night of it and go to a bar/restaurant as well.

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First friday has become a bar/restaurant thing then art thing.


I think it's time for the artist to find another day and place to start all over, some already have...

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"And Lord, I pray that you would guard your own reputation, because they're going to think that their god is bigger than you, if that happens. So I pray that you will step forward and honor your own name with all that happens between now and Election Day."--Rev. Arnold Conrad

I would have to agree with that.

I think it would feel less crowded and annoying if we blocked off 2nd and 3rd to vehicle traffic between market and race.

I had to be out of the OC area yesterday with the car. When I came back home around 6:30 pm the traffic was terrible on 3rd. I thought the same exact thing they should block off 2nd and 3rd to cars. People were in the street anyway. Those of us who live here can plan accordingly I don't have any issue with that. I like the idea of First Friday and the crowds it draws to the area.

Make no mistake, i really like the idea of bringing people to the neighborhood. But i would rather see less of a Grateful Dead show, and more of, what i gather was its intended purpose - gallery openhouses, etc. I do enjoy the street scene, but i fear that the neighborhood is already somewhat encumbered with a club/drunk scene, and that the block party vibe of FF isnt really helping the neighborhood. I will say this, those guys who usually play music in the alley by Christ Church are frigging awesome.

Agree

Also, I would like to see more spending at the galleries and shops.