News Release

GOSHEN — Downtown Goshen, Inc. is pleased to announce that—although summer is in the books—its First Fridays series shows no signs of letting up.

The month of October presents the longstanding First Fridays Arts Tour, from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 6. The Arts Tour, in turning downtown Goshen into a veritable, sprawling collage of exhibits and displays, gives local artists the rare opportunity to connect with groups of potential fans, followers, and buyers in a relaxed, interactive, and festive environment.

Goshen businesses, restaurants, and organizations—while highlighting fall specials and promotions of their own—once again provide spaces throughout downtown for local artists to display their work in front of the always-engaged First Fridays crowd.

Artists taking part in this year’s tour include local painter and printmaker Ramiro Rodriguez, showing his work at the Goshen Theater, 216 South Main Street; multimedia artist Dorothy Carter at The Green Bee, 108 West Washington Street; and sculptor, and Goshen College graduate, Sunday Mahaja—of Mahaja Arts—presents his unique work at The Elephant Bar, 227 South Main Street. Ceramic artist Sadie Misiuk and metalwork jeweler Kayci Detweiler present work at Goshen Brewing Co., 315 West Washington Street, and Ignition Music Garage, 120 East Washington Street, hosts the works of painter Kimberly Lichty and multimedia artist Lauren Eash Hershberger.

A First Fridays fixture for over 10 years, the Arts Tour gives aesthetes and newcomers alike the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting some of the area’s most dedicated and inspiring artists. The Arts Tour also features activities and exhibits for kids, entertainment and special performances, and downtown’s many restaurants, drinking establishments, and retailers will be ready to provide revelers with outstanding dining, drinking, and shopping options.

“The Arts Tour has been a downtown Goshen tradition for more than 10 years, and once again we’re seeing really strong participation from our local artists, and from so many of our establishments,” said Amanda McMahon, director of First Fridays. “This is an event that allows the community to have a closer interaction with the work of local artists, and the artists themselves. It’s a unique setting. It’s different from other arts events, and that’s part of the reason this has been a success through the years. Our arts scene is diverse and thriving, and that has played a big part in Goshen’s vibrancy and momentum. The Arts Tour is our small way to pay tribute to the arts community and introduce and support our artists, all while positively impacting the sustainability of our downtown businesses.”

Additional Arts Tour participants include Goshen Community Schools—presenting an Elementary Art Showcase at Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, 106 North Main Street; Heather Potsander, displaying at The Imagination Spot, 111 East Washington Street; painter Mark Daniels, of Mark Daniels Arts, showing his vibrant and colorful work at Fables Books, 215 South Main Street; and Naila Suleiman, presenting her multimedia work at the Maple City Market, 314 South Main Street. Found, 208 South Main Street, features the Graber Family Showcase, and ADEC—a non-profit organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, located at 114 East Lincoln Avenue—showcases the work of its residents.

Deb Potis presents her photography at Green Oaks of Goshen, 314 S. Main Street, Fairfield High School presents a collective of various works at the Goshen Elks Lodge, 220 North Main Street, Stephanie McDairmantdisplays her paintings at the Inn on South Fifth, 320 South Fifth Street, and Jessie Swihart presents ceramics at The Nut Shoppe, 204 South Main Street. Open Houses with family activities are scheduled at both Goshen Art House, 216 South Main Street, and Phoenix Performing Arts, 211 South Main Street, and a special dance performance by Epic Dance Studio is planned at Art Alley, 216 South Main Street.