Artwork by Eric Bealer, seen here, and his wife, Pam, will be featured at Alaska Robotics Gallery as part of first Friday in April. (Sitka Conservation Society photo)

Artwork by Eric Bealer, seen here, and his wife, Pam, will be featured at Alaska Robotics Gallery as part of first Friday in April. (Sitka Conservation Society photo)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in April

Annual UAS student ceremics show, Folk Fest sneak peak and art exhibits in full bloom.

Events stretching from south end of downtown to the University of Alaska Southeast campus in Auke Bay, some featuring the opening of events and exhibits that will linger for weeks or even months longer, are part of the schedule for First Friday in April.

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council: Annual UAS Student Ceramics Art Show, 350 Whittier St., Juneau Arts & Culture Center, 4-7 p.m.

Features a variety of mugs, bowls, sculptures and more. Opening reception during First Friday.

Exhibit up through the month.

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council: “Juneau Wildlife Portraits – Paintings and Photographs,” 101 Egan Drive, The Davis Gallery in Centennial Hall, 4-7 p.m.

Opening reception by artists Susan Watson and Christopher Grau during First Friday. This exhibit includes nine of Susan’s acrylic paintings of Juneau wildlife (from Chris’s photographs) and 12of Chris’s photographs of Juneau wildlife. The paintings are all 10”x8”, the photographs are all 13”x19”.

On exhibit in the Davis Gallery through June 23.

Juneau-Douglas City Museum: “Stellar! The 20th Annual 12×12 Community Art Exhibition,” plus live music and new store merchandise, 114 W. 4th St., 4-7 p.m.

The art exhibition will be on display, and live piano music will be performed by a local music student and music teacher. New merchandise in the museum store will include jewelry by local artist Jess Davis, creator of AK Mountaintop Mermaid. Jess creates jewelry from sea urchin shells, mussel shells and locally sourced quartz. Also available will be vintage Juneau posters including a few Alaska Folk Festival posters. The vintage posters will be available to purchase while supplies last.

Exhibition on display through April 20.

Marie Drake Planetarium: Explore the Universe at the Planetarium, 1415 Glacier Ave., 5:30-7 p.m.

Check out what the planetarium offers, including a new digital projector and short full-dome movies on the 30-foot dome.. Suitable for all ages. No signup needed.

First Friday opening only.

Downtown McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill: Juneau Softball Association Registration Roundup, 51 Egan Drive, #1708, 5-7 p.m.

JSA’s final Registration Roundup event. Members available to answer questions for people new to Juneau, interested in playing slowpitch softball this summer, wanting to get more involved with JSA, having questions about registering themselves or a team, or wanting to sign up for tournaments.

First Friday opening only.

Sealaska Heritage Institute: Featured artists Charlene Hughes & Ranelle Hinchman, Arts Campus open to the public, 105 Heritage Way, 4:30-7 p.m.

SHI will feature two Native Artists who create beaded jewelry, in the Walter Soboleff Building Lobby: Charlene Hughes as a vendor and Ranelle Hinchman, SHI’s Demonstrating Artist in Residence April 2-20. The Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus will be open to the public featuring Northwest Coast carving in the Wood Lab and Metal jewelry making in the Metal lab. The SHI Store will be open 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

First Friday opening only.

Hearthside Books & Toys: Author signing by Pete Griffin, author, naturalist and storyteller, 2 Marine Way, Suite 106, 4-6 p.m.

Griffin will discuss his career as a park ranger and his two books, “Rafts, Raccoons & Revelations Growing Up on a Great Lake” and “Stories of a Forest Ranger Tales of Life in the U.S. Forest Service.”

First Friday opening only.

The Alcove: Jessalyn Ward Designs, 2 Marine Way, Suite 120, 4:30-6 p.m.

Juneau artist Jessalyn Ward will exhibit her artwork at the new space of Wings Airways & Taku Lodge in Merchants Wharf. This event marks the grand opening of The Alcove, where she combines her family business with her artistic works. Ward will present new works, including watercolors, showcasing her diverse artistic talents. Wings Airways will open sales for the ‘24 Juneau Appreciation Day flights to the Taku Lodge at the event. Space is limited and this will be the first and perhaps only opportunity to purchase seats.

First Friday opening only.

Annie Kaill’s Gallery: Pia Reilly, visual artist and Erin Kandoll of Twisted Ginger Jewelry, jewelry artist, 124 Seward St., 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Erin Kandoll of Twisted Ginger Jewelry and Pia Reilly, both from Petersburg, debut new original works. Erin works with stones, silver and beads to create unique, wearable art. Pia creates multimedia works with her paintbrush.

First Friday opening only.

The Rookery Cafe: Morf Worx: the Art of Jacob Higgins, Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture, 111 Seward St., 4:30-7 p.m.

“Morf Worx: A Collection of Oddities, UnThings, and Creaturescapes” by Jacob Higgins will feature all-new drawings, paintings and sculpture at the Rookery Cafe.

Exhibit will runs through July 2024.

Drip Drop Wonder Shop: Magical America, psychedelic post-apocalyptic jazz-funk band, plus gallery reset with new pieces by Natalie Weinberg and Crystal Worl, 220 Front St., 7-9 p.m.

Music by the band Magical America, plus new art by local artists. $5 dollar suggested donation, all donations go directly to the band.

First Friday opening only.

Barnaby Brewing Co.: Juliana Cornett Art, 165 Shattuck Way, 4:30-8 p.m.

Juliana Cornett, a scientist and self-taught artist, is set to unveil artwork inspired by the wildlife of Juneau from owls spotted on scenic drives to fish caught on the fly. Works are in watercolor and ink, employing a stippling technique.

Exhibit up through the month.

Rainforest Yoga: Kristin McTague, yoga teacher, 171 Shattuck Way, 5-6 p.m.

A mat pilates class to build strength and execute exercises with proper technique. Starts with breathwork to connect you to your body and layer in the exercises to use your mind, followed by fundamental mat work.

First Friday opening only.

Lodestone Library: Lodestone Library Opening Party featuring Hummingbirds crafted by Lesley Kalbrener, 301 3rd St., 4:30-7 p.m.

Lodestone Library, a metaphysical and wellness inspired lending library and gift shop, is preparing to open for the summer, and celebrating First Friday with an exhibit of hummingbirds crafted from wire and driftwood by Lodestone Library co-founder Lesley Kalbrener. Lodestone Library is a program of Green Ray Center, Inc., a fledgling 501c3 Juneau nonprofit committed to providing individuals with resources they may use to support their mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and creative health.

Exhibit up through the month.

Alaska Robotics Gallery: Eric and Pam Bealer, Alaska Folk Festival Posters, illustrations from the Pelican Boardwalk Boogie, detailed woodblock prints, and more, 134 N. Franklin St., 4:30-7 p.m.

The Sitka Conservation Society presents an art show celebrating the life, art, and legacy of legendary Alaskan artists Eric and Pam Bealer with a selection of famous Alaska Folk Festival Posters, illustrations from the raucous Pelican Boardwalk Boogie, and breathtaking detailed woodblock prints of the Tongass National Forest, and more. Contact lione@sitkawild.org or call (907) 747-7509 for more information. Learn more about the Bealers and the Sea Pony Farm property at www.sitkawild.org/bealers. Live music by Annie Bartholomew and special guests.

Exhibit up through Folk Fest.

The Baranof Hotel: QUESTSCAPES Treasure Map Grand Release Party, 127 N. Franklin St., 4-8 p.m.

Showcasing artistic masterpieces leading to real treasure and adventure, The Baranof Hotel will host QUESTSCAPES for a Grand Release Party of five treasure maps accompanied by live piano music.

First Friday opening only.

Spice Cafe & Art Gallery: Crystal Jackson, alcohol ink artists, 116 N. Franklin St., 5-9 p.m.

Featuring several local artists and the Gypsy Jazz Quartet. Among the artists is Crystal Jackson, an Inupiaq alcohol ink painter, who will be showcasing her vibrant new collection of work “Chromatic Alaska.” This collection will be available to view and purchase from April 5 through July 1 at Spice Cafe & Art Gallery.

Exhibit up through the month.

Kindred Post: Travis Clark Morris, 145 S. Franklin St., 4:30-7 p.m.,

Travis Clark Morris specializes in crafting solid wood furniture for contemporary living spaces, infused with a touch of old-world charm. His work shows off the natural beauty of wood grain and uses traditional joining techniques. His works will be displayed and available for purchase during First Friday. Postal services are not available during special events.

First Friday opening only.

Juneau Artists Gallery: Christine Lewis, oil painter, 175 S. Franklin St., Ste. 111, Senate Building, 4:30-6 p.m.

Christine Lewis is the featured artist for the month of April at the Juneau Artists Gallery. Christine is a self-taught artist from Maine, living in Juneau since 2011 where she has developed a passion for oil landscapes. The gallery displays her detailed miniatures as well as larger pieces. Art cards are also available. Treats will be provided.

Exhibit up through the month.

The University of Alaska Southeast: “Tidal Echoes” 2024 launch, 11066 Auke Lake Way, Egan Lecture Hall, 7-8:30 p.m.

“Tidal Echoes” literary journal is launching its 2024 edition. Presentations from featured artist Elise Tomlinson, writer Mistee St. Clair and poetry readings from community members. The event is free and open to all ages.

First Friday opening only.

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