Pre-stuffed even before Thanksgiving, more and more businesses are now on board to really activate Atlantic Avenue. The November 7 First Fridays in Bixby Knolls is packed with things to see and do. Pointillism, pet portraits, Pixie toys, olive oils, animation, sitars, rock school reggae, and plenty of other surprises can be found this month. Guests attending First Fridays can pick up the trolley at designated stops at the participating venues.
Here’s a peek of what will be seen and heard at First Fridays on November 7. To get the detailed venue listings and artist profiles, visit www.firstfridayslongbeach.com.
Nino’s Italian Restaurant, 3853 Atlantic Ave, continuing the spirit of its 50th anniversary, will feature party music from the George Fryer Combo. A DJ will also be spinning tunes as people chill out after touring the venues.
FreeSpirit Yoga, 3910 Atlantic Ave. Marking the first anniversary of FreeSpirit’s participation in First Fridays, all artists have been invited back to share two or three new creations to show what they have been up to since their last show at FreeSpirit Yoga. Soulful sitar music by Joel. Plenty of namaste.
Long Beach Arts, 4332 Atlantic Ave., will feature a new exhibit of 37 works of the “Open National Exhibition” with a presentation by juror Scott Canty, curator of the L.A. Municipal Art Center, who will give out the awards.
Vangie Ogg Photography and Pixie Toys, 3930 Atlantic Avenue, will host its grand opening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A slideshow of Vangie’s recent work of children’s portraits will be on display throughout the evening. Guests will have the opportunity to win a gift certificate for a family photo session, an iPod Nano, and other gifts.
Gallery THOR at THOR Antiques, 4122 Atlantic Avenue, will be featuring art by a number of artists current and vintage. Representing local artists will be paintings by Mike Rivero and sculptures by Susan Erikson Hawkins.
Jammin’ Music, 3972 Atlantic Ave., will present another rockin’ evening with their latest Rock School graduates. This quartet is made up of four talented musicians ranging in age from 10 to 14 who will entertain with a variety of classic rock, funk and reggae tunes from the 1970s to the present.
Elise’s Tea Room, 3924 Atlantic Ave., will feature the photography of Michael Ziegler, who is inspired by the lighting and composition of such painters as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Caravaggio.
Entertaining Events, 3922 Atlantic Ave., will feature the work of Steve Weiner, who grew up in the center of L.A., and both the Echo Park neighborhood and Olvera Street were major influences on his art.
Hensle Acupuncture, 3821 Atlantic Ave., Suite F, will feature Jennifer Stillwell, a local cartoonist and animation artist for twenty years. She got her Bachelor of Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts, and has worked on such projects as The Simpsons and Space Jam. There will also be an olive oil tasting with Yasemin Altuner of Maya Trade Corp. These are superior olive oils in many different flavors.
It’s A Grind, 4245 Atlantic Ave., will feature the music of George Johnson. Great vocals and plenty of audience participation.
L’ Exotique Appeal, 3846 Atlantic Ave., will feature Long Beach artist Renée James, who is a published artist specializing in pointillism art—creating an image using only dots. James uses her pointillism art as a tool of meditation; the repetitive motion of applying the dots helps her concentrate on the moment. Precious Paws, 3848 Atlantic Ave., is presenting photographer Susan Sabo, who will be taking portraits of pets from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $50 includes 3 poses, which includes two high-resolution files.
Marina Mitri, 3848 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 6, will be featuring the work of Andrea Thompson, showing her custom jewelry and ornaments using Swarovski Crystal, just in time for the holidays. Guests will also be treated to a free neck massage.
Historical Society of Long Beach, 4260 Atlantic Ave., will be showcasing its latest exhibit entitled “Suburban Architecture of Roberts, Jones, Power, Lockett, & Poper.” Using photos, plans, and narrative, the exhibit illustrates how the city grew and the impact of these architects on the city’s commercial and residential spaces.
Rickter & Associates, 3920 Atlantic Ave., will be showcasing their latest collection of fine art photography— exotic birds shot live on the island of Maui between 1986 and 1991. They will also be introducing two new programs: a student photo contest, in which local Long Beach students interested in pursuing photography can sign up to compete citywide; and Financial Literacy seminars for young people and adults.
