Art, live music to highlight First Friday in Springfield

Hatch Artist Studios is part of First Friday activities in Springfield tonight. Bill Lackey/Staff

Hatch Artist Studios is part of First Friday activities in Springfield tonight. Bill Lackey/Staff

First Friday, the monthly downtown Springfield event, will have its most rounded showing tonight since before the coronavirus pandemic began.

Several downtown businesses will participate, and the Hatch Artist Studios will be reopen to the public for the first time since the lockdown. Hatch helped the First Friday spirit alive during the stay-at-home order with a virtual version, but this is closer to what the community is used to.

“We’re very excited, we miss seeing everybody and love hosting people in our building,” said Rod Hatfield, a Hatch New Media artist. “People are hungry for it.”

First Friday runs from 5 -9 p.m.

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About 30 artists, nearly full capacity, inhabit various spaces in the Hatch Artist Studios. Many are eager to share their creations made during the winter and spring months.

“Challenging times can inspire artists and there will be lots of good, important work for display and sale,” Hatfield said. “We also have several new artists who work in mixed media, textiles, photography, illustrations, paintings.”

Hatch Artist Studios will also offer free drawings for two $50 gift cards good for purchase from any resident artist, and one for a free half-hour portrait session from photographer Chris Perkins.

Visitors to Hatch Artist Studios are encouraged to wear a mask. Hand sanitizer will be available and social distancing will be in effect.

Live music is a mainstay of First Fridays and will be offered in two locations. Singer/songwriter Alleya Jones will kick off 6-6:45, followed by Thaddeus Williams from 7-8:30 at Hatch Artist Studios, while Joyride from Columbus will play at 8 at COhatch.

Hatfield said visitors may be surprised by COhatch’s sound system, which goes throughout the building and outside. The alley that runs between it and the Heritage Center will be open for First Friday to accommodate visitors.

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Food choices may be more limited as some downtown restaurants will be closed for the holiday. Un Mundo Café will have First Friday specials, while COhatch food vendors will close between 7-9 depending on the vendor.

Hatch Artist Studios will host the EAT food truck, while Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. will have La Pampa Mobile, 3-10 p.m.

Other attractions will include a free scavenger hunt at Cyclotherapy at 6:15 and Sip & Dipity Paint Bar will have a glow party at 7. Checkered Flag Fibers will also be open.

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