First Friday celebrates its second anniversary

Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

Happy second birthday, First Friday.

Colorado Avenue will be closed to traffic from Third Street to Main Street tonight when Mayor Oscar Goodman gives a 6 p.m. opening address to celebrate the second anniversary of the First Friday events in the Las Vegas Arts District, which has grown from a few small galleries and antique shops to a viable centerpiece for the arts community.

Musicians, poets, artists and even a psychic will take to the streets for the celebration that comes accompanied by new exhibits and gallery openings.

Godt-Cleary Projects, a gallery at 1217 S. Main St., opens tonight and will feature billboards and photographs by actor, artist and director Dennis Hopper, and P.E.G., an eclectic store at 203 E. Colorado Ave., is holding its grand opening.

The Funk House, an antique store at 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. and hub of the south end of the district, will feature drawings by Lisa S., fortune tellers, a didgeridoo player and music by Paper Symbol.

Dray's Place Fine Art Gallery, 1300 S. Casino Center, Suite 5, will showcase the photography of Garald Todd and Shannon Dorn and debut the underground art calendar, "702 Sub-Culture."

More than 30 galleries, stores, restaurants and bars are participating. Most events are held between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Maps can be printed off the First Friday Web site, www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org, or picked up at various locations, including the Funk House and the Arts Factory, 103 E. Charleston Blvd.

For more information, call 384-0092.