By Darla McCammon

Have you visited downtown Warsaw on one of its popular First Friday events? Oct. 5 is the First Friday of the month and Paula Bowman, who manages these events, has an especially memorable First Friday planned for your enjoyment this year.

She is calling all artists and crafts people to help with the theme of “ARTober” by securing a space around the courthouse and demonstrating, engaging others, and selling work.

“We are looking for all kinds of art,” said Bowman. “Not just painting, but any creative outlet — clay, yarn, glass, photography, sculpture, tin can art — you name it.”

The First Friday events are always fun with all kinds of food to eat and music galore, including local radio stations that keep things lively and might even interview you. All artists are invited to participate and just need to contact Bowman at (574) 376-0233 for additional information. Lakeland Art Association is supporting this event as well and if you are a member, please let her know when you register to exhibit. Lakeland also should have an application at their gallery so you can pick one up there or from Paula. Lakeland Gallery is located at 303 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw.

Set up for artists will be between 3 and 5 p.m. The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. with all participants expected to stay until 9 p.m. to accommodate latecomers who might want to purchase your work. Get ready for an exciting and fun evening at the ARTober event — coming soon.

If you arrive downtown for this event before city hall closes for the evening at 5 p.m., please take advantage of the opportunity to see the newest exhibit that will be featured at the City Hall Art Gallery across the street from the courthouse. Unfortunately, the Fred Olds exhibit will be closing down on Sept. 28, so you do not have a lot of time left to go visit the work of this lovable character who left many roots and connections to our community. City Hall opens at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, with visitor parking behind the building.

The exhibit that will be available as First Friday opens will be a very unique series of photographic works by Darlene Romano from Florida. Not often do we have a chance to purchase something for our home of this quality. You are going to love her creativity and artistry. There will be more on Romano in future columns.

An exciting opportunity to take home your own watercolor will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the LAA gallery. Arrive early for the best seats. Cheryl Ringler is offering this to the community for free.

It is sure to draw a crowd and you won’t want to miss this event. Parking is available on all the side streets leading off Winona Avenue. There is also a ramp to the front door for wheelchair access.

Upcoming and Current Events

Please contact Darla at [email protected] or (574) 527-4044 if you have an event to mention.

• The Fred Olds Nostalgic collection is on display at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery until Friday, Sept. 28. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
• The Jeffrey Klinefelter and Cheryl Ringler watercolor exhibit is now open at the Lakeland Art Gallery through September.
• Coming up in October, amazing photography by Florida artist Darlene Romano will be on display at City Hall Art Gallery.