Each First Friday of the month, the community is invited to stroll the historic Paseo Arts District. All of the Paseo galleries have reopened, some with abbreviated hours, and most will be open late for First Friday. Restaurants will be open for dining, patio seating and takeout. All guests are required to wear a mask, practice social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer when shopping. This month’s First Friday is March 5, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) is pleased to feature two exhibits in March - in Gallery One, a group exhibit by Studio Gallery OKC, and in Gallery Two, the Paseo Arts Association’s inaugural March Show. An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 5, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The PACC will limit capacity and require masks and social distancing. Both exhibits will be on display March 5- 27 in the PACC at 3024 Paseo.
The Studio Gallery was founded over 30 years ago by a group of local artists cooperatively sharing the expense and work of operating their gallery on Britton Road. Ten of their artists will exhibit in the PACC in March – Ike Bennett, Christy Everest, Curt Gruel, Becky Haugen, Scott Henderson, Dodge Hill, Phebe Kallstrom, John Moad, Whitney Watkins and Jane White. Whether you enjoy contemporary, figurative or landscapes, the Studio Gallery artists will display art to complement any décor, as well as a stunning selection of handmade jewelry.
After several years of significant growth in their four annual juried exhibitions and witnessing the impact they’ve had on the artists that enter and participate, the PAA has added a fifth show to their lineup. The March Show is an all-medium visual exhibit centered around a different theme. The inaugural exhibit is themed in honor of Women’s History Month and juried by Marilyn Artus, a self-described “suffrage nerd” and creator of the ‘Her Flag’ project that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. Artus selected 54 works by artists of all genders and ages that explores notions of beauty, gender identity and societal roles, work that pays homage to women who’ve advanced the fight for women’s equality, and work that highlights how feminism has changed the world and how much work there is left to be done. Awards will be presented by Artus at 7pm on Friday, March 5, during the opening reception.
Oklahoma City’s Unique Arts Destination, the Paseo Arts District is located between NW 27th & 30th Streets and Walker & Hudson. Each First Friday, Paseo galleries offer special themed exhibits, guest artists and a variety of live entertainment - all within walking distance. Ten restaurants and a handful of other shops round out the Paseo’s distinctive atmosphere.
For more information, call the Paseo Arts Association at (405) 525-2688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org. Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.