Creativity is in bloom at Owego’s First Friday Art Walk

Spring has sprung, and creativity is in bloom in downtown Owego. Once again, the Historic Owego Marketplace presents First Friday Art Walk on April 7. Come see over 12 artists as well as performances and demonstrations within two walk able blocks. 

All art receptions, performances, and demonstrations are free. Those who get their passports stamped can enter to win prizes at the Art Walk Party. The event takes place on April 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Art Walk Party picks up at 8 p.m., with live music until 10 p.m. and a prize drawing at 8:30 p.m. 

April highlights include the following. 

Riverow Bookshop (187 Front St.) will host author Jim Maggiore. Jim will be signing and discussing his latest book Around Binghamton. Around Binghamton features entertainment and sports history post-1950, in the greater Binghamton Area, featuring a variety of photos from this era. 

The Art Palate (59 North Ave.), located inside The Kitchen Store, has become one of Owego’s go-to spots for locals to try their hand as artists, working in a variety of mediums. Maren Michaels, owner and artist, will be demonstrating how to repurpose glass bottles into art. Opportunity will be available to participate in a class and instruction for this interested. Choose from a variety of colors and styles to create your own artwork. 

Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar (177 Front St.) is a hot spot for art, music, culture and of course, coffee. Stop in for live music from the Triton Trio featuring banjo, fiddle and cello. Carol’s will also be featuring art from Bethany Livingston. Grab a cup of coffee, peruse the art, and listen to one of Owego’s favorite string trios.

Black Cat Gallery (190 Front St.) is once again bringing both art and music to the Owego Art Walk. “The Off Beats,” a three-piece, female, roots-retro-folk rock band is a unique blend of djembe, autoharp, and percussion with vocals and harmonies. In addition, Iryna Juravich will be featuring her traditional designed beading jewelry, along with natural fiber goods and fleece from farm raised sheep, alpaca, angora goats and rabbits. 

The Tioga Arts Council (179 Front St.) is hosting its 5th annual artfully SQUARED fundraiser.  Once again, TAC will have a Members-Only First Dibs Event on Thursday, April 6, and the Main Reception will be part of First Friday Art Walk on April 7. Artworks will be exhibited in TAC’s Gallery during the month of April and each piece will be available for a $20 donation. All proceeds will benefit programs at TAC. 

The Artisan’s Townhouse (42 Lake St.) is celebrating 25 years in business. To commemorate this milestone, owner and artist Lori Vogel will be featuring her own personal artwork. Artisan’s Townhouse is a staple of downtown Owego and is a major supporter of the community and artists in the area. Stop in and meet Lori, view her art, and see what Artisan’s Townhouse is all about. 

Original’s Bar and Lounge (25 Lake St.) will have works from Binghamton artist Bob Alan Bricks. Bob Alan Bricks is mostly self-taught – working intuitively and spontaneously in a wide range of styles, techniques and mediums. Rarely does he have a fixed idea of just where the art is taking him; but like a child at play, he is more interested in the process than the product. At 8 p.m. the Art Walk Party picks up at Original’s with local Blues Band Voodoo Highway. This bluesy, funky, groovin’ original blues/rock band based out of Binghamton features powerhouse performances, soulful groves and passionate improvisations. 

The Walk-Up-Gallery & Studio Space (179 Front St., Second Floor) artists’ works will be displayed salon-style after the 18th century innovation celebrating the interaction of public and the arts.

Katie’s Kreations (188 Front St.) will be celebrating the Grand Opening of their newly remodeled second floor and will be serving light refreshments. Come and see the new addition, and learn tips and tricks for hanging your artwork.