A walk around the Square becomes a cultural and artistic awakening
Emily Nickles, Page Editor
For the cultural gurus, lovers of the Denton Square, and art fanatics—this Friday marks First Friday Denton, a once-a-month community event surrounding the local art scene. October 2, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, sometimes later depending on the business, the Square will be hosting several artist’s exhibitions, musicians and sponsoring community participation in art projects.
Co-Partner of First Friday, A Creative Art Studio, run by Robin Hattash, will be participating in the event. Hattash will be hosting live music by local Denton jazz and folk fusion band, Oui Bis, in her studio. Simultaneously, Hattash will be running a community art project, “One person will come in and paint, and then the next person will come and do something and everybody will add to it. You never know what it’s going to be when you start out.” To participate in the project is free. The studio will also have 8×10 canvases available for painting at $5 and supplies will be available. It’s not an instructed activity, but help is available if needed, and people can take their canvases home.
For a full list of participants visit http://www.discoverdenton.com/event/first-friday-denton-creative-art-studio-5/.
Inception
According to the First Friday Denton website, the idea was created by Shannon Drawe, a local professional photographer. Drawe stated on the site that, “It just seemed to me like Denton, and the creative businesses that inhabit the Downtown Denton area, could use a shot in the arm – an event that would bring more exposure to their awesome talents – on an ongoing basis.”
Huttash echoes this idea when she shared her perspective, “The whole idea is to give people the experience of art, and try to get people into the downtown area. We have a rich art scene in Denton and we wanted people to be able to experience it.”
Of recent months First Friday Denton has been orchestrated by City of Denton Economic Development Program Administrator Julia Glover and Denton Main Street Association employee Christine Gossett. “Shannon Drawe, the guy who started it, has cancer right now and we have recruited the city to help out with some of that,” Huttash regretfully commented. The website has been updated by Drawe to reflect the current situation, stating his need to take leave for medical reasons.
Drawe also does freelance photography for the TWU Marketing and Communications Department.
This First Friday will actually be the re-opening of A Creative Art Studio, “We’ve had a fire, so this will be the Creative Art Studio’s first time back in six months,” Huttash stated. Though they’ve been out of business, the studio re-opened for its first day this past Tuesday, September 29 and First Friday Denton is just the cherry on the top. Huttash shares her favorite part about these events and participation, “I like the idea of bringing art to the public. I think a lot of people feel comfortable in it. So people feel comfortable to walk in and try their hand at public, I think it gives them a chance to see that they can create.”
Other businesses and organizations that will be participating this Friday include Denton Friends of the Family, UNT on the Square, the DIME Store, Circa 77, Serendipity on the Square, Mellow Mushroom, Harvest House and, formerly Shop the Barn, Vintage Bleu will be having their grand re-opening.
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