Anchorage galleries cautiously return to in-person First Friday events

Anchorage’s art community is adjusting to the new normal of socially distanced shows during the COVID-19 pandemic, and First Friday events are slowly returning with more in-person options this month.

The International Gallery of Contemporary Art is not having a First Friday, but will reopening with three new exhibits of paintings and photography from noon-4 p.m that day. Georgia Blue Gallery and Bivy will hold evening events.

All three galleries will require face coverings and observe social distancing protocols, according to their websites. The Anchorage Museum is open during the day for ticketed entry, but is not hosting a First Friday event.

If you want to get out and see art but don’t want to go inside a gallery, the Anchorage Downtown Partnership has put together an art walk map of the windows of 16 downtown galleries and businesses. Some have monthlong window displays while others are hosting First Friday specific events. Check out the map at anchoragedowntown.org to find locations and event types.

(Note: As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and change, be sure to check ahead and confirm events you want to attend and get more information about health and safety protocols.)

July First Friday events

Bivy — Join Bivy for the Conversation with A Constructed World virtual Zoom event. The artist of the exhibit “Using feelings to get rid of feelings VII” will be interviewed via Zoom from Paris. The exhibit will be on display at the gallery through Aug. 28. The conversation is open to the public and can be accessed from the Zoom link. The gallery will be open (for those from the same household, and for individual viewing) Friday from 5 p.m. until the interview starts at 8 p.m. Masks are required. The online event is from 8-9 p.m. (419 G St., Suite 100)

International Gallery of Contemporary Art — Opening Friday, the gallery will have three new exhibits:

In the Center Gallery will be “In Memoriam,” a series of 15 watercolor paintings of spruce trees by Colorado artist Trine Bumiller. The North Gallery will show “Third Nature: Divining the Scientific Archive” by Anchorage artist Sandra Talbot. The series consists of images on canvas that explore the impact of scientific expeditions and subsequent colonial expansion on the ecology of Alaska. And in the South Gallery, Kenai oil painter Alex Rydlinski will exhibit “Home,” paintings with a special interest in the human being in the Northland wild.

The gallery has new hours from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and Thursdays 4-8 p.m. (427 D St.)

Fat Ptarmigan — The Alaska Concrete Collective will have a pop-up style show in the South room. 6-9 p.m. (441 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 100)

Georgia Blue Gallery — The gallery is hosting a double feature First Friday reception. Joyce Watts Coolidge’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” exhibit of encaustic mixed media paintings will be on display. Jon Van Zyle’s and Jeff Schultz’s book, “Double Vision Alaska,” of paintings and photographs is also launching at the reception. Physical distancing and face coverings are required. 5-7 p.m. (3555 Arctic Blvd., Suite C-5)

Williwaw Social — Local artists, jewelers and clothing designers will sell and share their pieces at the First Friday Market. Entry is free and minors are welcome, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, until 9 p.m. Masks are required inside and highly encouraged in outdoor areas. 5-10 p.m. (609 F St.)

Midnight Sun Brewing Co. — First Firkin Friday will feature paintings by local artist Raeann Krugger, and when the reception begins at 5 p.m., she will tap a firkin of ‘Merica dry hopped with lemondrop hops. Krugger will donate 5% of her sales to the Beluga Whale Alliance. 5-8 p.m. (8111 Dimond Hook Drive)

Turnagain Arm Brewing — Portrait and lifestyle photographs from local photographer Cameron Donahue will be on display. 5-8 p.m. (7920 King St.)

Outside Anchorage

Alaska State Museum — The “Women in Vision” exhibit will be available for online viewing at 4:30 p.m. July 3 as part of the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council’s Virtual First Friday. The exhibit honors the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and features a collection of works by women spanning the last century.

Poppy Lane Mercantile — Local photographer Christal Houghtelling’s art cards and prints will be on display. All purchasers, in-store and online, will be entered to win a gift basket. 5-8 p.m. 105 S. Valley Way, Palmer. (907-982-9215)

Bird Creek Crafts Fair — Nine local artists and craftspeople will be selling their work at Whispering Bird Studio. Pieces included are: fused glass, pottery, forged hooks, hatchets and Damascus knives, wooden bowls, hand-painted silk scarves and metal yard art. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 158 Whispering Bird Lane, Bird Creek.

Note: The article has been changed to clarify that the International Gallery of Contemporary Art will not be holding a First Friday event, but will be open Friday with new works on view from noon-4 p.m. Changes were also made to reflect the Anchorage Museum will not be hosting a First Friday event and that the Alaska State Museum is the organization hosting the online “Women in Vision” exhibit.

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