Fridays in the ‘Burg

As promised, here’s more on what’s happening in downtown Harrisonburg this Friday.

In addition to First Fridays (schedule below), Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance kicks off Fridays on the Square at the Courthouse. Picnic dinner starts at 6 p.m. (BYOD-bring your own dinner) and music starts at 7 p.m. with the Charlottesville Drum Choir. From HDR: “A fun evening guaranteed for all with this community drumming group that shares the wonder and power of the West African drumming traditions through performance. Sponsored by Joshua Wilton House Inn & Restaurant and Downtown Wine & Gourmet”

Go downtown early for First Fridays and take a walking tour to view local art:

Arts Council of the Valley, Smith House, 311 S. Main

June: Robert Llewellyn, Photography

The Virginia Quilt Museum, 301 S. Main

June: Floral Abundance

The Hardesty-Higgins House, 212 S. Main Street

June: George Lange, Works of Art in Wood

Harrisonburg League of Therapists, 312 S. Main

June: Steven David Johnson and Anna Maria Johnson, Photography, Mixed Media, Fibers

Ameriprise Financial, Linda S. Hoover, CFP®, 165 S. Main Street, # E (exhibitions in Denton Park)

June: Greg Versen, Photography

You Made It Pottery, 163 S. Main

June: Pottery Demonstration on the Sidewalk

OASIS Gallery, 103 S. Main Street

June-July: David Copley, Sculpture

150 Franklin Street Gallery

June:  Jauan Brooks, Prints; Segal, Glass Works; and Jane Ritchey, Paintings.

Clementine Café, 153 S. Main Street

June-October: Art Exhibitions and Music (further details pending)

Artful Dodger, 47 Court Square

June: Robert Gravelin, Painting

Downtown Wine and Gourmet, 41 Court Square

June-October: Wine Tastings and (periodically) Music

Cally’s Restaurant and Brewery, 41-A Court Square

June-October: Beer Tastings

Laughing Dog

June: Dana Flynn, Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry; Keith Mills, Paintings

First Fridays Starts This Week in the ‘Burg

This Friday the Arts Council of the Valley kicks off its annual First Fridays in the ‘Burg. And despite having a brand new director whose still getting her feet wet (Welcome Celia!), this year’s lineup appears to have more variety and plenty of appeal. More about that later.

In addition to movies and music, some of the downtown merchants are getting involved, and the council is teaming up with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance to offer historic walking tours.

This Friday, in conjunction with First Fridays and to kick of their 6-year anniversary, You Made It! Pottery Studio is offering wheel-throwing demonstrations in front of the store from 5-7 p.m. According to co-owner David Miller, the studio has opened a new wheel-throwing room, where you can take lessons, or practice your own throwing. And at a good price, I may add. Practice for one hour costs only $8. I have a feeling the pottery room is going to be very busy.

Dave says later this month they are also opening a new glass warming room. Design your own jewelry, bowls, etc. and they will fire them on site in their new glass kiln. And several summer camps for kids are planned at the studio, featuring work in clay and glass. One week camps are $175 and held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sounds like a fun place to be. If you’ve never experienced  You Made It!, here’s a nifty video to give you a visual taste of their offerings.