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 February 5, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) is proud to feature two exhibits in February - in Gallery One, Poetic City’s Melanin Stories, and in Gallery Two, the annual Paseo Arts Association Members’ Show. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 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 February 5- 27 in the PACC at 3024 Paseo.
Melanin Stories, presented by local performance group Poetic City and curated by Sunee Rice, will feature eight local artists of color working in various mediums to tell stories of history and culture. The goal of this exhibit is to enlighten observers and provide a diverse and inclusive community to all. Poetic City is a high energy and inclusive performance arts entity that supports all forms of creative expression. They recognize that love and ambition come in all shapes and sizes, and work to coordinate and promote professional platforms for those seeking a creative outlet for their passion.
The annual juried Paseo Arts Association Members’ Show will exhibit many eclectic and inspiring art works created by 48 of the PAA’s talented and supportive members. “Artists and our members are the drive behind the work our organization does, says PAA Program Manager Paige Powell. “We have been overwhelmed by their support throughout the pandemic and our expansion into the PACC, and we are proud to show off their talent and the diversity of our membership.” This year’s Members’ Show was juried by Diana J. Smith, a painter, ceramicist and graphic designer with a long history of support and involvement with the PAA. Awards will be presented at 7pm on Friday, February 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.