G.P. Glitterati Emerge for First Friday Art Walk

The First Friday Art Walk of August 2nd drew unprecedented numbers of people into the "Roving Gallery Party" in Grants Pass, a local tradition since 1994 (later emulated by art communities of many other cities throughout the state). Perhaps it was the proverbial climate, which was definitely above par for this time of year. The temperature was reasonably cool and, for a few brief, shining moments, the smoke seemed to clear out of the valley. An absolutely incredible time was enjoyed by one and all.

The highlight of this month's exhibitions, which continue throughout August, is the annual AAUW (American Association of University Women) Art Show and Sale. In past years this has been held in the gymnasium of Grants Pass High School where it was pretty much a single night event. This year, however, the show has moved to a more central location where it will remain on display throughout the entire month! Actually, it is being held in three such locations; the AAUW has secured the facilities of the Grants Pass Museum of Art on "G" street, the Firehouse Gallery at 4th and "H", and at the Frameworks Gallery on "G" Street, downstairs from the museum. Frameworks is hosting the photography divisions, both amateur and professional. The Firehouse is showing non-photographic entries in the amateur and youth categories. The Museum is showing the non-photographic professional entries.

Another must-see is the Beautiful Critters show by Jeffrey Egli, on display at Listen Here, featuring a mixture of erotic cartoon & airbrush imagery, along with Egli's most brilliant (and utterly mind-blowing!) creations-- fantastic airbrush paintings and textures, rendered upon the bare and supple canvas of the bodies of lovely ladies. Thus transmogrified into strangely bestial-yet-not-unpleasant (not by a long shot!) entities, these "beautiful critters" are shown in photographs, taken in their natural habitats--trees, bushes, fields and streams. If you haven't seen this yet, check it out. Like all First Friday art, these pieces will be hanging thoughout the month of August.

Click on the photo collage (above right) if you'd like to see more pictures taken during the art walk on that delightfully cool August evening--and don't forget, the art will be hanging all month long, not just at the AAUW show, but at all of the galleries and many of the businesses about town which also host exhibits. If you would like to read the details from the schedule of exhibits, click on the graphic of the schedule at left.