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A Little Birdhouse in First Friday’s Soul
Lancaster Indie Arts Keeping the Nightlight On
By Anne Kirby
I’ve watched First Friday evolve over the last several years into an amazing display of appreciation for the arts in Lancaster. And while I’ve enjoyed the crowds and the array of galleries, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Where were the little birds to fill the birdhouse in First Friday’s soul?
As I walked downtown last First Friday, I could feel that something was different. As I made my way through the crowds, I spied from a far the little bird adorning the Lancaster Indie Arts (LIA) banner in the Art Park across from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.
I was looking forward to the Art Market that LIA had organized and to see CHL member Sean Poole’s stand, but it wasn’t until I was standing in the middle of the market, with the hustle and bustle of the crowds, that I realized that this is what First Friday’s been missing. Here were the little birds that could fill an empty birdhouse; here was the human connection. LIA made it possible for artists to come out and sell their work and be an active part of First Friday without having to own a gallery or shop. These hard working but sometimes forgotten artists help sustain our art community and keep it alive and fresh and this market was a great venue for them to show all of us what makes them so special.
Enjoying the unique artwork and live music helped to renew my love of First Friday. The Art Market whetted our artistic appetites and left us wanting more.
Filled to repletion with great art, the CHL members were all smiles as we posed for a group photo with Sean Poole, his wife, Erin and his son, Clay. Afterwards we made our way down Prince Street, resorting to peering in the windows of the galleries along the way, since the crowds had become overwhelming. We retired to The Lancaster Dispensing Company for libations and lively conversation; the Art Market, we agreed, was a great success and a wonderful addition to our much-loved First Friday.
So Kudos to the City of Lancaster for helping to nurture the arts, but a special thanks to the Lancaster Indie Arts and the vendors who set up shop. We appreciate you keeping the nightlight on and for adding a spark to our beloved flame and we look forward to the next Art Market.