FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK

The First Friday ARTWalk (FFAW) has been a program of the Lane Arts Council (LAC) for over 25 years.  A committee of artists and arts advocates meet monthly to plan the ARTWalks, and LAC staff implements the program.  The First Friday ARTWalk takes place on the first Friday of every month, year-round, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Approximately five galleries or art venues are highlighted each month. The walks vary and are mapped in an orderly fashion.

The FFAW gives the community an opportunity to appreciate the visual arts as part of their pre-weekend activities, and the start time allows the community to arrive directly from their workplace and recreate in the downtown Eugene area, adding vitality to an otherwise inactive downtown.  The walk officially ends at 7:30 p.m. so that participants may remain in the downtown area to enjoy fine dining and performing arts venues.

It is a venue that provides education and family fun to seeing the art in local galleries and public spaces, while maintaining the vitality of downtown Eugene.  The art venues are generally located within a five-block radius of downtown Eugene.  The ARTWalk host(s) and participants walk en masse to the various art venues (that are usually located inside). Many local businesses stay open for this event. Presenters and gallery hosts provide appetizers and refreshments, insights and information on specific exhibits.