ART. MUSIC. FOOD. COMMUNITY.
THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH STARTING AT 5pm!
First Fridays is a monthly cultural event highlighting local artists, performers, exhibits, and more! Stop by one of the many art galleries offering new exhibits and special performances, then make a night of it in downtown or elsewhere in the city!
First Fridays’ primary purpose is to highlight the organizations and spaces that are bringing local, regional, and even national art to the Lynchburg community.
September 5, 2025 PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANT DETAILS
Lynchburg Art Club
1101 RIVERMONT AVENUE
Lynchburg Art Club and Gallery proudly announces From Across the Pond opening with a First Friday (Sept. 5) reception; ; light refreshments will be served. From Across the Pond will feature artwork from across the pond by artists: Ali Cox, Kasey Forehand and Rodney Laughon.
The show will be on exhibit from First Friday - September 5 through September 28, 2025.
Following the opening, gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, 1-5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30-4pm; and by appointment.
Click here to learn more! 5-7:30pm
Riverviews Artspace
52 9TH STREET
Join us for First Fridays (Sept. 5) for the opening night of Pattern by Sophie Blackall.
*Free & open to all ages.
*Hands-on activities for kids in our Create Studio with: Lynchburg Public Library, Amherst County Public Library, The Scrappy Elephant, and The Pink Flamingo Play Cafe.
*Button making in the main gallery.
*A selection of Sophie Blackall children’s books for sale, including Farmhouse.
*Concessions, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Pattern highlights works of art by Sophie Blackall, an award-winning illustrator of over 50 children's books. Inspired by the recent revitalization of her farm, Milkwood, a creative retreat for the children's book community, the pieces on view explore the layers and collages that shape our lives. Focusing on collective, generational, and individual memories, the exhibition celebrates our emotional connections to place and to the objects we hold dear. The exhibition is curated by Alex Grabiec, an artist, curator, and educator based in rural Virginia.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator of over 50 books for children, including the New York Times best-selling Ivy and Bean series, the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner, Finding Winnie and the 2019 Caldecott Medal winner, Hello Lighthouse, which she also wrote. She is the five-time recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Picture Book Award and has worked with UNICEF and Save the Children, UK on global health and literacy initiatives. Originally from Australia, she now splits her time between Brooklyn, New York, and the Catskill Mountains, where she and her husband run a retreat for the children's book community called Milkwood Farm.
Steven Francis Fine Art
1200 MAIN STREET
Please join us on First Fridays (Sept. 5) for the opening reception of The Gathering—our largest group exhibition to date, bringing together the work of 100 artists with 100 works in contemporary representational painting coinciding with the Philip Geiger: Retrospective exhibition at the Daura Museum of Art
The Gathering will have a special Open House Weekend for the entire show at both SFFA galleries on Friday, September 12th through Sunday September 14th, and will be offering extended gallery hours and special programs at both the SFFA Main Street & SFFA Tradewynd (102 Tradewynd Drive) locations:
● Friday, September 12 – Main Street Gallery Kick-off | 6–8 PM
● Saturday, September 13 – Gallery Talk with Scott Noel | 1 PM | Daura Museum of Art
● Sunday, September 14 – Extended Gallery Hours
Academy Center
of the Arts
600 MAIN STREET
Join us for a First Fridays (Sept. 5) Exhibition!
In The Art Galleries
*The Ann White Academy Gallery: September 5 -26
The National Juried Photography Show
Juror: Jesse Hoyle; Juror Talk: 6:00
*The Up Front Gallery: September 5 -26
Academy Center of the Arts Gala Auction Pieces
*Arts & Education Building: September 5 -26
Dr Kershner’s Archival Show
Gallery Hours: M-F, 9:30 am - 5 pm and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm.
Lynchburg Salsa
409 5TH STREET
Join us on First Fridays (Sept. 5) for an unforgettable night of rhythm, movement, and fun! And bonus... it's FREE!
Park in the Court Street Public Parking Lot and enter through the front entrance of Riverview Vinyl (409 5th Street) — signs will be posted to guide you!
Doors: 6:45 PM; Lesson: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Social Dancing: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Payment Accepted: High fives, fist bumps and smiles.
Outside Food is NOT allowed.
A water fountain is available — please bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Click here to learn more! 6:45-9:30pm
Vector Space
2004 MEMORIAL AVENUE
Robo-Keychain Making & Makerspace Open House
Who let the bots out!? Vector Space did! Join us on First Fridays (Sept. 5) for a Robo-Keychain Making Event -this is an all-ages woodworking adventure where you’ll build your very own pocket-sized robot buddy. (Watch out—they might sneak into schools on backpacks... oh my!)
Open to the public—friends and family are welcome to join this drop-in, hands-on event. We'll also be giving guided tours of our makerspace as we prepare to welcome new members during enrollment on Saturday, September 6th.
Entry donations of $2 or more are smiled upon!
Young Builder Bonus: Joining this project counts as a Junior Maker activity!
A big thank you to the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation for their generous support in making this event possible!
Click here to learn more! 5-8pm