With the sparkle of passion, local artists and businesses are bringing community together in the furthest west end of downtown Truckee, just before you hit the roundabouts. On the first Friday of every month there are good times to be had in the Brickelltown green courtyard situated between Riverside Studios, Drake and Lulu’s Art Shed, and Fair and Green, Gifts with Conscience. The artists and entrepreneurs of the shops initiated a monthly block party in order to introduce their corner of the world to the community. The bash, based on bringing people together, always has live music in the courtyard and every month has a theme. August will be FAST, as in fast cars at Hot August Nights, while September’s subject is dirt. It’s a two-day feast – come to Truckee Downtown Thursdays then Brickelltown for the First Friday Party. To get the scoop, I asked the Brickelltown masterminds, ‘What is your favorite First Friday moment?’
‘My favorite was October 2007. It was really cold, it was the first real cold snap and it was snowing, just a bitter cold. But that didn’t stop anybody from showing up and having a blast. Around 300 people showed up and the bluegrass band that was here sort of meandered around while they played, making for a really fun atmosphere.’
~ Kahlil Johnson, leather designer at Riverside Studios
‘I don’t necessarily have a particular favorite. The best part for me is you see a true cross-section of the community. I mean everyone shows up, we have everyone from community council members to kids that work at the video store come and participate. We’ve been doing it for a year now and it has been fun and successful. We want to link the artists in the community together to create synergy amongst artists and allow the community access to local art.’
~ Alanna Hughes, pottery designer at Riverside Studio, voted best local artist 2007
‘Just this last June was my favorite. There was a super turnout. The local community came out in force. It was the first major event since winter and a large part of the community showed up. It is a true community event, locals and businesses help support it. It is also a great opportunity for local non-profits to get the word out. We always have a non-profit like GreenBikesNorthTahoe, Truckee River Watershed Council and the Humane Society to name a few.’
~ Mick Baikie, Fair & Green
‘August 2007 was my favorite. We just opened before that in time for the Fourth of July last year. The August 07 First Friday was the best way to be welcomed by the community and welcome the community at the same time. The supporters of the other studios became our supporters as well. That event really made us want to continue.’
~ Heidi Baikie, Fair & Green
‘I personally am in awe at the turnout every time. Just to see the wide variety and number of people come here is the best. It is typical now that a couple hundred people are mingling just in the courtyard. It has turned into a huge community party and a lot of people participate and chip in.’
~ Lorien Powers, Jewelry design at Drake and Lulu’s Art Shed, voted best local artist 2008
‘First Friday for me brings together the community. All kinds of people come out to see each other and the art. It is a great way to get people excited about local art and get the artists excited as well. Ultimately it is for the local community and local art. The best part about it is that such a wide range of people show up.’
~ Heather River, clothing designer at Drake and Lulu’s Art Shed
