March 5, 2008

‘First Friday’ Celebration Invites Downtown Visitors to Enjoy Original Artworks

Beginning this week, OWU’s Ross Art Museum will be open late during downtown Delaware’s First Friday events. Among the museum’s current exhibits is “The Space of Freedom.”

Friday will mark the first time the museum has extended its hours to take part in a monthly “First Friday” event. Like many downtown stores, the museum will be open until 9 p.m. March 7.

“We’re excited to be participating in First Friday,” says Wallace, the museum’s first assistant. “And with the art-related theme, this is the perfect time for us to become involved.”

Wallace anticipates the museum will become a regular part of each month’s “First Friday”—as long as it has a show in place.

Currently, Ross Art Museum is showcasing three exhibits, including “The Space of Freedom.” This exhibit features Soviet-era artists who risked government retribution during the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s to display their unsanctioned artworks. The paintings and drawings are displayed in a recreated Leningrad apartment built inside the museum just for the exhibit.

Also on display at the museum are drawings and photographs by OWU alumnus Christopher Davis ’86, along with metal-enameled jewelry by Kathleen Browne, a Kent State University professor. Admission to Ross Art Museum is always free.

In addition to the museum, art lovers also are invited to check out the shops downtown, many of which will be displaying artworks created by students in the Delaware City and Olentangy Local school districts, says Stanya Doty, a business owner and member of the nonprofit Main Street Delaware board that organizes the First Friday events.

In addition, a special gallery will be set up at 31 N. Sandusky St., site of the former Pat’s Records, where visitors also will be able to register to win a Main Street Delaware gift basket filled with items provided by downtown merchants.

“The students have provided some amazing artwork,” Doty says. “We invite everyone to come out, forget the cold weather, and enjoy an evening in downtown Delaware.”

Friday’s event is sponsored by Bun’s Restaurant & Bakery and by Western Credit Union, Inc. Upcoming “First Friday” events are slated to include “Mascot Madness” on April 4 and Cinco de Mayo on May 2, Doty says.

For more information, visit the Main Street Delaware Web site.

– Cole Hatcher