Each month, the festivities kick off at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Local artist Joseph Olson has been the main gallery’s featured artist since February 22, 2008. Friday was the last day to see his exhibit on display. The exhibit Comics in Society will be installed on April 11, featuring comic illustrations from the southeast. The exhibit will open with a lecture by Dr. Michael Pemberton.

Other artists featured at the Averitt Center include Jessica Hines, various GSU faculty members, Heidi van Leuven, and Trinity Christian & Bulloch Academy. A jewelry party and drawings by Iris Sandkuhler were also featured in one of the classrooms. Seasoned artists, Eddie Cowell, Laura Aziz, and Barbara Akins also opened their third floor studios to the public for viewing.

This month’s featured businesses Hugo’s, Bellies & Babies, and West Main Art Gallery & Studios were also open with several new products to showcase.

The newest feature to First Friday is the “Downtown Discovery Treasure Hunt”. The treasure hunt begins at the Averitt Center at 5:30 p.m., where the first clue is given to participants. The answer to the clue corresponds to a store that participates in First Friday. Once the participant visits that store they receive another clue.

After eight clues, the first person to return to the Averitt Center receives the first choice of gift certificates from one of several stores or restaurants. The remaining gift certificates are awarded in order of completion.

The Emma Kelly Theater hosted the GSU Opera on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Located in the lobby of the theater, the Little Shop of Wonders also kicked off its spring sale.

First Friday begins at 5:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. For more information on First Friday Downtown call 912.764.7227 or visit their webpage.

Britney Peyton