Locals Artists, New Art.

• Position: FIRST FRIDAY

On the First Friday of every month, galleries, boutiques, and locally owned businesses welcome the public to get out on the town and see what they have to offer. Every location approaches First Friday with its own style, with events ranging from live music to lectures to receptions where guests can speak with local artists about their work. Many galleries, museums, and shops extend their hours to accommodate Alaska's art collectors, enthusiasts, and novices. Whether you drop by a favorite gallery or stroll the streets to visit as many locations as possible, Alaska's First Fridays present awesome opportunities to connect with and support the artists that live and create among us. Below Alaska Business has listed just a few locations that participate in First Friday around the state.

Anchorage

Stephan Fine Arts | The Crest Gallery | Captain Cook Coffee Cubby: At the Hotel Captain Cook, these three locations coordinate to host First Friday events. This month Annie Brace will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Stephan Fine Arts; Renate Martin has scheduled time from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Crest Gallery; and the Alaska Artist's Guild is doing a group showing of new works at the Captain Cook Coffee Cubby, with the artists on site from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. stephanfinearts.com

2 Friends: Self identifying as "a most unusual gallery," 2 Friends carries a collection of original art as well as rare and hard-to-find resale pieces; its inventory changes regularly and ranges from glass work and wood carvings to bags and clothing. The store features specific artists during their First Friday reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that also includes chocolate and sparkling cider. 2friendsgallery.com

Aurora Fine Art: Established in 1990, "Aurora Fine Art Gallery has been the epicenter of high-end Alaskan art for over twenty years," according to the gallery, which hosts artist meet-and-greets and work demonstrations in addition to its First Friday art show. aurorafineart-alaska.com

Anchorage Museum: "Open galleries. Open minds. Open late." is how the Anchorage Museum describes its approach to First Friday. The museum arranges a range of activities for First Friday, including dancing, music, talks and lectures, food, and more. anchoragemuseurn.org

Fairbanks

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center hosts a reception featuring the work of an Interior Alaskan artist. Artists...