Join us on Friday, April 12th in downtown Fuquay-Varina for Spring for the Arts, a very special edition of Art after Dark. The family friendly event will showcase local artists and performers in a variety of events, performances, and activities. Local businesses, organizations, and artists are all encouraged to get involved to showcase the arts in our community. (View/print a map here). Some events at our upcoming Spring for the Arts will include:
Local Artist and Crafter's Market
Raleigh St. 5:00 - 9:00PM
Enjoy a variety of local artwork and crafts at our artist and crafter's market. There is always a great variety of unique work from many local artists available for purchase. Come meet the artist's, view their work, and get inspired!
En Plein Air Paint Off
Presented by Fuquay-Varina Downtown
Throughout Downtown Fuquay-Varina; 3-7pm
En Plein Air paint-off is an exciting outdoor event, sponsored by Fuquay-Varina Downtown as a way to support artists in our area and bring public art to our streets. Join us to watch some of our area’s most talented painters compete, En Plein Air (in the open air).
A contest of skills will challenge each artist to create an original painting of Fuquay-Varina Downtown’s historic landscape.
Ashley's Art Gallery
Meet Modern Landscape Painter Ford Smith
701 N. Main St. 6-8pm
Meet internationally acclaimed, contemporary landscape artist from Atlanta, Ford Smith, with an opening reception on Friday from 6-8pm (and Saturday). These spectacular receptions debut Smith’s newest premier original paintings and limited editions. The show is entitled, “Where Landscape Go to Escape the Ordinary,” and is free and open to the public. You will not want want to miss the Live Painting Performances. While you are there, you can enjoy a wide array of artwork at Ashley's Art Gallery, Fuquay-Varina's premiere Art Gallery.
Stage 1: Live Music and Open Mic
Stars Theater and Arts Center
123 E. Vance St. - Back Parking Lot; 5-9pm
6:00 pm Annie Adams School of Music Performance Showcase
7:30pm Live Music by Kristi Dixon
Also at this stage, enjoy songs by students of Stars Theater and Arts Center or join in during the open mic and share your own talents.
Stage 2: Live Musical Performances & Spoken Word Open Mic
Stage #2; Raleigh St. at Main; 5:30 - 9pm
5:30 Spoken Word Open Mic*
6:15 Paul Latham
7:30 Ron Baxter Jazz
8:30 Music by Manning Kimmel
*Spoken Word Open Mic at 5:30pm and also in between musical sets. Come on down and bring something to share...
Artistic Expressions: An Artist Co-op
118 Raleigh Street; 5-9pm
Be sure to check out Fuquay-Varina's Art Co-op, Artistic Expressions for an opening artist reception including wine and cheese. The art featured in their gallery includes oil, acrylic and water color paintings, wood burnings, collage and mixed media, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, needle arts, photography, lampwork beads and steampunk design. Artistic Expressions extends their hours on the 2nd Friday of each month to participate in "Art after Dark." Be sure to stop in and view their fantasic collection of local artwork.
Inflatables
Presented by Relationship Church
Stars Theater and Arts Center; 123 E Vance St; 5-9pm
Never underestimate the joy of children jumping around on inflatables. And while your kids are jumping around expending their energy, you can enjoy the live music and other activities closeby.
Kids Creative Crafts and Activities
Raleigh St. (between S. Fuquay Ave and Main) 5- and in the Stars Theater Parking Lot
The kids will have a great time with a variety of creative activities and projects to spark their imagination. They can create a mixed media collage, do some sidewalk chalk art, create a puppet show, and more!.
Cruise-in Classic Car Show
presented by Fuquay-Varina Cruisers and F-V Downtown
Whether you drive a classic car or just like to look at them, you'll love the Cruise-In. Pre-1975 cars are welcome and there is no fee to display a car. Cars will be located in the large public parking lot at the corner of Main and Vance Streets across from Ashworth’s Clothing and in the private lot behind Pass It On.
Music will be provided by DJ the Mayor of Mamers. “The Mayor” brings lots of fun and energy to this annual event. At 7:00pm a hula-hoop contest for children and adults will take place with trophies being awarded at the end.
Museum Tours
131 South Fuquay Avenue; 5-8pm
Be sure to check out our local Centennial museum where you can view a "creative" and "intriguing" display detailing the history of Fuquay-Varina.
Within the museum, you can also view the Heulon Dean Collection which includes photos documenting Fuquay-Varina past as well as examples of photographic work prior to the age of digital photography. Tours are Free. Guided Tours start at the information booth at 5:30 and 7:00pm.
Local Art and Music Showcased at local businesses:
Artistic Expressions: An artist co-op with a large variety of local artwork and crafts on display; 118 Raleigh St. 5-9pm
Ashley's Art Gallery: 701 N. Main St.; Meet internationally acclaimed, contemporary landscape artist from Atlanta, Ford Smith, opening reception and live painting performances.
Cape Fear Crafts and Gifts; 216 S. Main St.;a variety of local arts and crafts including florial arrangements/wood works/Primative Art/Hand sewn items/Handmade clocks and Seagrove Pottery; 5-9pm.
Centennial Museum; 131 S. Fuquay Ave, 5-8pm; Historical photography exhibit by Heulon Dean on display; museum tours; 5-8pm
Cooley’s Restaurant 711 N. Main St Artwork on display by local artists; 5-9
Electric Beanz Café 8109 Fayetteville Road (Note: this location if not in the downtown area); artwork by local artists; 5-9pm
Magnolia House Custom Framing 218 S. Main St.; Artwork on display by local Artist; 5-9pm
The Shoppes on Main 212 S. Main St. Local Artwork and Crafts for sale;(look in the back left corner for a section of local arts and crafts); 5-8pm
Local Authors & Books
Lazy Lion 601 E. Broad St. Books by local authors available for viewing and purchase; 5-6pm
Live Local Music
Aviator Tap House Live music 8pm; 600 E. Broad St. ; Free– open til 1am
Brick Bar and Grill Live Music 9pm; Free
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