Cathy Dobson
Sixteen local artists are going to feed off the unique vibe of an Art Attack this First Friday, and the public is invited to watch.
Art Attacks are a twice-annual staple in Sarnia and usually attract a large crowd.
The concept is simple. Artists come together for two to three hours to generate a piece of work, generally inspired by the environment and live music.
Lucky onlookers get to engage with the artists and watch as the work takes shape. Once complete, each piece is raffled off at the end of the night.
“Artists who do it for the first time tell me it’s an amazing experience and they want to do it again,” says organizer Billie Jo Gage.
The venue is The Story at 179 Christina St. North. It’s the second time The Story has hosted Art Attack at the request of the artists, Gage said.
“It’s a big open-concept and they can all be in the same room,” she said. “They chat and enjoy the music together, sort of feed off each other’s energy while they work.”
Art Attack is a fundraiser for ArtWalk. It raises several thousand dollars and is a great way to keep the spirit of the ArtWalk weekend alive.
This First Friday will feature artists Sam Pickard, James Burdan, Kathy Schrader, Caitlyn Jean, James Provencher, Stewart Wayne Fanning, Natali Bravo, Patti Cook, Josina Washington, Cathy Earle, Cassy Grana, Elise McDonald and collaborators Adam Miner and Corey Morden; and Francis Martin and Red George.
Miner and Morden are considering some squeegee art, which Gage said is very unique to watch.
Weather permitting, there will also be a couple of artists having an Art Attack on the sidewalk outside the venue. Music is provided by DJ dizzyfree.
Like most First Friday activities, it’s free to get in. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.
Other First Friday events confirmed by press time include:
Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery – 147 Lochiel St. Scavenger hunt at the JNAAG. Try to find Kate Wilson's hidden drawings, found all around the gallery, and you could win a membership. Draws for memberships will happen at 7, 8, and 9 p.m.
Coffee Culture Café & Eatery - 130 Lochiel St. Singer/songwriter Jenn Kees - 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cheeky Monkey – 130 Christina St. Live music 7 - 9 p.m. with The Casuals. Pathfinders selling Girl Guide Cookies. Paintings by Bill Walters.
Artopia – 188 Christina St. North. "Dancing Hooks" Rug hooking group. A night of independent rug hookers, experienced and new, who meet to learn, practice and teach traditional rug hooking.
The Lawton Gallery inside Imperial Theatre - Comedy Show in the Capitol Bar. Two shows 7 & 9 p.m. Art by Erin Percival.
Sarnia Legion - The Borderlite Trio - Music and dancing from 8 p.m. until midnight.
Revelree – 136 Christina St. North. Marty Oblak & Phil Young 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. - DJ Phatfingers 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. -$3 Cover (no cover before 8 PM)
Zzas Pizza Bistro – 170 Christina St. North. Mike Blackmore 7 - 9 p.m.
One Tooth - 155 Front St. North. Live music 7-9 p.m. with Demi Krall - Photography on Canvas from Cassidy Crowe.
Ups n' Downs – 226 Front St. North. Live music - Alex Shier 9:00 p.m.
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts – 127 Christina St.South. Flora and Fauna - The Sarnia Photographic Club Annual Exhibition. Jean Poole and Gina Robertson A Mother/Daughter Art Exhibition. Info about the Lambton Food & Film Festival.
Vanilla Bean – 138 Cromwell St. Live entertainment 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Refined Fool Brewing Company – 137 Davis St. Cathy Earle exhibiting her new watercolor series.
Come Unity – 123 Christina St. North. An exhibition of wall art featuring Francis & Corynne Martin.
The Arts Journal reflects the cultural fabric of our community. If you have a story idea, contact Cathy Dobson at 226-932-0985 or [email protected].