First Friday version 03.08, part 1

So excited about this week o'art:

1. Looking Back at Artspace: A collection of work, performance, and installation from the incredibly talented alumni of the Regional Emerging Artist Residency circa 2000-2004. The ladies of Artspace have done a fabulous job of putting the exhibition together, and it's gaurenteed to be a worthwhile First Friday stop. really looks killer, and includes a few of my most favorite City of Oaks artists:

Stacey Kirby, who happens to be a studiomate of mine, presents The Declaration Project: Artspace, a "performative interaction and installation/" Stacey and I seem to share a similar love of vintage office equipment, paper, cataloging, and an interest, in well, things, so I'm really, really, looking forward to this. This is, I think, the third version of the Declaration Project, having previously been installed/performed at Headlands and at Blam. It's funded through a grant from the United Arts Council.

I happily sit beneath this painting, Raleigh Saw, by Luke Buchanan, in my office. It was a great surprise on my first day of work, and it felt a bit like a familar face in an unfamilar place. I've long admired Luke's paintings--can't wait to see his contributions to this exhibition.

I'm also looking forward André Leon Gray's work and am anxious to see what Lauren Adams cooks up-- I was blown away by Bread & Bullets (complete with subversive toile!) at NCMA during the CrossCurrents show a couple of years ago. I'm hoping to see some more of Anna Podris' encaustics. I really feel like she's found her stride with those-- richly layered and well-resolved. Her blog features step-by-step photos of the process.

Other exhibiting artists with whom I'm less familiar include Laura Hatcher Allen, Tisha Edwards, Huong Ngo, and Meredith Sutton. With the company they keep, their work is sure to be stellar. Hopefully I can report back next week. Check out the Artspace page for more information. They'll be open (and performing!) from 6-9:30 this Friday, March 7. The exhibition runs through April 11.

2. Rebus Works (where I happily work): Black Valentine by Tiffany O'Brien, through March 26.

We've got special music-- two solo sets, one by Eddie Taylor of the Loners, and one by Ivan Howard of the Rosebuds. The music should start around 8:00. Open our normal First Friday hours, 6-10 pm.

Check back for Part II on Thursday!