Businesses along Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls are gearing up for their next First Fridays art explosion Friday, June 1. Shop owners, cafes and restaurants throughout the business corridor will host a variety of events beginning as early as 3 p.m. and going all night. Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for the various art exhibits, musical concerts and photography displays.
First Fridays, held the first Friday of every month, is a collective endeavor to promote and appreciate art in all its forms: painting, sculpture, photography, music and theater.
“For the first time in a long time there were lots of people walking up and down Atlantic at night,” said Carina Cristiano Leoni of Nino’s Italian Restaurant who hosted music and art, and created a special martini bar for the occasion. “It was fun to see so many
art enthusiasts around and businesses thriving.”
First Fridays is the brainchild of Krista Leaders, owner of Chroma Glass Designs, and Peter Dopulos and Keith Lewis of Oasis Gallery.
In November 2006, in an effort to increase business and foot traffic in the area, they began hosting a monthly artists’ reception featuring the work of local artists at the Chroma Glass Designs studio on Atlantic Avenue. The idea caught on, and in 2007 they were joined by other businesses in the area hosting events on the first Friday of each month.
First Fridays is endorsed by Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and supported by 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich.
“First Fridays provides a new and vibrant energy after dark to Atlantic Avenue enhanced by local art and music,” said Gabelich.
“Long Beach has always had dynamic neighborhoods and First Fridays is another way for Bixby Knolls to show off its charm,” Foster said.
There are currently 10 businesses hosting events Friday. They are Chroma Glass Designs, Four Olives Café, Jammin Music, Mirage Coffee House, New Orleans Grille, Nino’s Italian Restaurant, the Richard Goad Theatre, Shore Books, Thor Antiques and Tuttle Cameras.
For information on event details, call Chroma Glass Designs at (562)424-6052 or go online to www.FirstFridays LongBeach.com.
Interested corporate sponsors can contact Carina Cristiano Leoni by calling (562)760-8957 or e-mail her at HYPERLINK “mailto:carinacrs@charter.net” carinacrs@charter.net.
