A community-wide celebration

The First Friday Gallery Crawl is a unique opportunity for thousands of students, families and art lovers to engage with local art each month at unique locations in downtown and throughout the city. This grassroots event continues to thrive because of the collective vision and collaboration of galleries and artists.

As the name implies, First Friday happens the first Friday of each month. Hours vary between galleries, but most are open during the core hours of 7 to 9 p.m. Most galleries use First Friday to unveil and debut new shows or as a closing reception. All venues are free and open to the public and several galleries across the city incorporate artist demonstrations and/or live music. Not only does this event give guests the opportunity to view creative art space, it also is an excellent time to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from artists.

  Follow First Friday on Facebook

Upcoming: May 2

Events will populate here a week before the event.

42° Below
1203 East Douglas Avenue 
(316) 440-3244

Welcome to First Friday at 42°!

Featured Artist: Rich Ayers, Tdub Glass

Event details: 5 to 9 p.m. on May 2

Live graffiti from Detroit based muralist Rich Ayer and live glassblowing from Tdubglass.
Local artists will also have prints and originals available for purchase.

Art House 310
310 South Laura Street 

Title of Exhibition: Art House 310 First Friday – Kansas Art Guild Group Show

Description:

Art House 310 First Friday – Kansas Art Guild Group Show
Opening Reception | First Friday May 2nd, 2025 | 6-10pm

This event is free to attend and open to the public. Show hangs through May 25th, 2025. Art House 310 is located at 310 S. Laura. Two blocks SE of Douglas & Washington in downtown Wichita.

KANSAS ART GUILD

The Friends Community Art Guild was formed in 1977 with eight people who met at Friends University.  The name was later changed to Kansas Art Guild as interest and membership grew.  Now with a membership of over 65, the guild meets monthly at Mark Arts.  Membership is open to all artists, beginners to professional, with the express purpose of promoting and encouraging the visual arts and artists.

For more information, check out the Kansas Art Guild online at KansasArtGuild.com, on Facebook: @KansasArtGuild, and on Instagram: @KansasArtGuild

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

Lori Jones
Veronica Dowty
Ginny Young
Jan Hodge
Malissa Long
Barbara Gabel
Jeffery Gowen
Patti Doll
Karyl Barbosa
Phis Burress
Charlotte Cockrum
Janet Inlow
Yen Lin Chen
Karen Holiday
Maria Engelhardt
Annie Cummings
Lesa Gardner
Diane Smith
Skip Kreibach
Hope Just
Asa Pearlstein
Lari Howard
Stephaine Bayiff
Bob Neace

www.ArtHouse310.com
Facebook | @ArtHouse310,  Instagram | @ArtHouse310, TikTok | @AngieAwesomePants

Artists in Old Town Studios
412 East Douglas Avenue 
(316) 267-5915

Featured Artists: Studio Artists

Title of Exhibition: Studio Artists

Event Description: Studio artists will be open. Come see us at Artists In Old Town Studios in the back of Gallery 12, 412 East Douglas in Wichita Kansas for First Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. We hope to see you. 

Check out all of the artworks at Gallery XII too.

Exhibition Hours: 6 to 8 p.m.

CityArts
334 North Mead Street 
(316) 350-3245

First Friday Reception, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Mothership Has Landed is an expansive group exhibit by local artist collective ID...ology. Featuring over 160 works by 11 artists, the show is dedicated to former CityArts curator Tabitha Oblinger, “who believed in laughter and giving the artist a place to celebrate.”

On view through June 1, 2025:

  • The Mothership Has Landed by ID... ology – Main Gallery
  • Cursed Roses, Blessed Frogs by Lindsey Bendsey - Balcony Gallery

On view through December 31, 2025:

  • Detour Wichita: A Retrospective Trip Through the City’s Live Entertainment History by Alex Freund - Front Desk Wall
Envision Arts Gallery
801 East Douglas Avenue 
(316) 440-1699

Title of exhibit: "Putting the Pieces Back Together"

Event: First Friday, May 2, 5-8 p.m.

The Envision Arts Gallery is excited to present Putting the Pieces Back Together by artist Jenny Ewertz on First Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00PM – 8:00PM.

Putting the Pieces Back Together showcases a poignant collection of artwork reflecting an emotional journey of grief, utilizing creative expression as a means of healing. 

Jenny Ewertz is a ceramic artist and a proud member of Envision Arts since March 2023. Her work explores the tactile possibilities of clay, creating unique ceramics that celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Jenny’s process is a delicate balance between control and spontaneity, allowing each piece to evolve organically while still reflecting her artistic vision. Constantly learning and experimenting, Jenny thrives in an environment of creativity and collaboration. Envision Arts has become her creative home, where the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas fuels her artistic growth. Through this community, she continues to discover new artistic fields and push the boundaries of her craft.

Join us First Friday at the Envision Arts Gallery on May 2nd from 5:00 - 8:00 PM to celebrate the opening of Putting the Pieces Back Together.

Throughout the evening you will have the opportunity to meet the artist and participate in art activities inspired by the exhibition. 

First Friday, May 2nd
5:00 - 8:00 PM
801 E. Douglas Ave, Suite 106
Wichita, Kansas 67202

The Envision Arts Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00-1:00 PM).

Free and open to the public

On display May 2nd through May 30th in the Patricia A. Peer Window Gallery

First Friday Pop Up Markets at Hopping Gnome Brewing Company
1719 East Victor Street 
(316) 771-2110

Title: First Friday Pop Up Markets at Hopping Gnome Brewing Company

Our next First Friday Pop Up at Hopping Gnome Brewing is just around the corner!

Join us Friday, May 2nd from 5-8 p.m. to shop and sip with our gnomies!

GALLERY XII
412 East Douglas Avenue 

Exhibit Title: "Nostalgic Notes"

Reception: May 2, 6 to 9 p.m.

Gallery 12 Featured Artists for May are: Gallery Member/Painter Christine Emond and Consignment Artist/Ceramist Terry Corbett.

The opening reception will be held on First Friday May 2nd from 6 - 9 pm. Chris will be exhibiting her most recent paintings. The title of her show is: "Nostalgic Notes." 

Artist Statement by Chris: "Music speaks to my soul. It always has. And strings are the instruments that resonate the most. Listening to the acoustic guitar or violin can create such an intimate feeling. Electric guitar or fiddle - lightening. Soft rock- nostalgia, freedom, my youthful days and where I am from. New age - peaceful, inspired and optimistic bringing me back to nature and being in the moment. With this body of work, I sought to express different genres of music and the feel of various places that music is played, through the use of color, composition, and mark making."

Chris will be donating 10% of her sales to the National Park Foundation.

 There will be a closing reception on Final Friday May 30th from 6 - 9 pm.

Gallery 12's is free and open to the public. Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday 10 am to 4 pm & Friday Noon to 6 pm.

Harvester Arts at The LUX 1
120 East 1st Street North 
(316) 530-2203

Opening Reception: TAB in 259

Event Details: Friday, May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Presented by the following educators:  Payton Smith: Kensler elementary Allison Stucky, Natalie Wright, Taylor McQueary: West high Sarah Elliot: Christa McAuliffe Academy (k-8) Mac Atha: Spaght elementary Kaitlyn Trollman: Pleasant Valley Elementary

An art show about the studio processes in k-12 art rooms. 
Learn about and engage with TAB classrooms in the USD259 school district.

Harvester Arts at The LUX 2
120 East 1st Street North 
(316) 530-2203

Exhibit Title: "A Soft Place to Land"

Featured Artist: Jill Nicole Lutton 

Event Details: Friday, May 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.

"A Soft Place to Land" is an interactive installation aimed at exploring the comforts we seek in the natural world and textiles. In blending the two together, the viewer is invited to breathe easy, take off some of the burden they carry, and land softly into a world of color and flowers.

 

Hopping Gnome Brewing Company
1719 Victor Street 
(316) 771-2110

Featured Artist: DUANE WILKINSON

Event Time: Friday, May 2, 3 to 11 p.m.

My name is Duane Wilkinson, I gained interest in photography at a young age taking pictures of vacations, cars and about anything my budget would allow since I had to pay for film processing.  In High School I shot for Yearbook and newspaper and was able to shoot a lot more since I could process all my pictures in the dark room.  Once digital came around I would take pictures on vacations, but did not gain a serious interest until about 6 years ago.  My son was my first senior session, others saw the photos and asked if I would do their Senior.  At that point I figured I better learn more about what I am doing so I can continue to improve.  Now I can be found on sidelines of sporting events, concerts,  Senior Portraits, Weddings and family pictures.  My job from 9-5 pays my bills, but photography is my stress and creative outlet.  I love capturing a moment in time that will never be duplicated again.  The lighting, the angle all the settings can be copied, but that moment will never happen again.

Maven Gallery
3238 East Douglas Avenue 

Exhibition Title: "Chromatica: Light, Life & Curious Connection"

Featured Artists: Austin Mann and Esther Havens Mann

Event Details: Friday, May 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Experience “Chromatica” showcasing photographic works by Austin Mann and Esther Havens Mann. This exhibition pairs powerful imagery from around the world through color, atmosphere, and human story. 

Austin and Esther will share behind-the-scene glimpses of the work during an Artist Talk at 5:30pm. Join the adventure and delve deeper into the stories, process, and meaning behind the artwork. 

Newman University (Steckline Gallery)
3100 McCormick Street 
(316) 942-4291

Title of Exhibition: "Amalgamation"

Featuring: Newman University Students

Opening Reception: May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

This end-of-year exhibition contains a diverse collection of work from art students at Newman University. From wearable art to meticulous drawings and mixed media works, this exhibition captures each student's individuality and creative growth. Individually and collectively, the pieces present an energetic snapshot of new artistic voices and celebrate the culmination of their academic endeavors from the academic year.

Pop-Up Art Market at The Phoenix
145 N. Wabash Ave. 

Event: First Friday Pop-Up Art Market

Featured Artists: The Mossy Marsh Inn, Raven Lenore, Lauren Smith

Time: 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 2

Join us for another exciting First Friday Pop-Up Art Market. Enjoy an evening of local artist and artisans, live art demonstrations, and soulful music by local musician Harrison Steele. Get creative with an interactive community art project led by Mark Arts. Come celebrate art and community!

(18 and older please. Free entry with 48 hours sobriety)

Reuben Saunders Gallery
3215 East Douglas Avenue 
(316) 682-1481

Exhibitions: "I Am Poppy" - Curt Clonts

Event Details: Friday, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Featured Artist: Curt Clonts

Description:

This solo-exhibition will feature new artworks by local artist, Curt Clonts!

We hope you will join us for our opening reception on First Friday, May 2nd from 5:00pm – 8:00pm!

"I Am Poppy" by Curt Clonts will be on display MAY 2nd - MAY 31st 2025

Somewhere Works
235 N Emporia Avenue  

Event title: A Collective Voice

Featured Artists: Robin Danks, Veronica Dowty, Izabella Jeanes, Michella Tripoli, Sable Viridariis, and Hayley Williams.

Details: May 2, 6 to 9 p.m.

Join us for an exciting First Friday at Somewhere Works in Downtown Wichita. Featured artists from the Wichita Fine Art Atelier: Robin Danks, Veronica Dowty, Izabella Jeanes, Michella Tripoli, Sable Viridariis, and Hayley Williams. There will be music by the Wichita Symphony String Quartet and food catered by El Chorizo. We hope to see you there from 6–9 PM for a night of art, music, and community celebration.

The Enchanted Mermaid Boutique
222 North Washington Street 
(316) 796-5383

Featured Artist: Sarah Hill

Featured artwork: Snow Queen Creations by Sarah Hill

Event hours: Friday, April 1, 6-9 p.m.

Inspired by magic, power, and lace. Enjoy these beautifully crafted crowns and more made by Sarah Hill with love. Stop in to see all the amazing artists that make up the collection at The Enchanted Mermaid.

The Leprechaun's Lab
630 East Douglas Avenue 
(316) 397-0397

Title of Exhibition: A Glance into Other Worlds

Featured Artist: Sarah Von Hoene

Exhibition Hours: All open hours of the Leprechaun’s Lab.

Event Description: 

“Other Worlds” showcases Von Hoene’s love of storytelling, with each marker-and-pen illustration sparking the imagination, inviting the audience to make up stories of their own.

Vertigo 232 Art Gallery
232 North Market Street 
(316) 264-2450

Event: NORTH HIGH ART SHOWCASE "visual harmony"

Event Details: May 2, 5 to 9 p.m.

APRIL 25th FINAL FRIDAY OPENING 5-9pm
and FIRST FRIDAY MAY 2, 5-9PM

NORTH HIGH ART SHOWCASE
"visual harmony"

The Exhibition celebrates the creativity and talent of young artists at North High School by bring together a diverse collection of 2D and 3D works,offering a dynamic visual experience the captures the essence of early adolescence and young adulthood.

A ceremony will take place on FIRST FRIDAY MAY 2nd from 5-8 pm.

White Crow Cider Company
1236 East Waterman Street 

Featured Artist: Alexandria Olthoff

Join us for First Friday! Gather your friends, grab a cider, and enjoy the colorful artwork by local artist Alexandria Olthoff. 

Event time: May 2, 6 to 9 p.m.

Next Event: June 6

The next First Friday event will take place on Friday, June 6. A list of participating venues will be available on this webpage one week prior to the event. Mark your calendars for the following 2024-2025 First Friday dates to never miss an event:

  • July 4 *We will promote events if organizations are hosting events on the holiday.
  • August 1
  • September 5
  • October 3
  • November 7
  • December 5

Submit Your Event

Are you an artist or gallery owner interested in being included on the First Friday list? Contact us for more information. Since there is no designated organizing body for First Friday, all participating venues are required to do their own marketing and advertising. Downtown Wichita does provide a listing on our website of all venues that are participating for the general public and visitors to use.

Submit your First Friday exhibit info no less than one week prior to the event in the following format to be listed on the Downtown Wichita website. Fill out the form below or email your submission to info@downtownwichita.org.

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