For those of you wondering "What is this First Friday this guy keeps going to." I'll gather some information for your reading pleasure:
From RooseveltRow.org-
"Roosevelt Row Arts District (RoRo) is a walkable, creative district in the urban core of downtown Phoenix that is nationally known for its arts and cultural events, award-winning restaurants, galleries, boutiques and live music. RoRo is fostering an urban renewal with rehabilitated bungalows and new infill projects.
The Arts District connects downtown Phoenix to historic neighborhoods including Garfield, Evans Churchill, F.Q. Story, Willo, Roosevelt, Historic Roosevelt and Grand Avenue. RoRo begins at 7th Avenue and extends east to 16th Street. On the north side it begins at Interstate 10 and extends south to Fillmore Street.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Roosevelt Row has been a vital mixed use area from the earliest days of the establishment of Phoenix. Many of the concrete sidewalks in the neighborhood were poured in 1909, three years before Arizona officially became the 48th State. In the early 1940s, when there were approximately 30,000 people living in Phoenix, numerous businesses were established along Roosevelt Street. The flower shop at Fifth Street and Roosevelt has been in continuous operation since 1948.
In the 1970s, parts of the area were re-zoned as a high-rise incentive district leading to land speculation and a decline of the neighborhood that lasted until the late 1990s.
The blighted area was attractive to artists because the boarded-up buildings and former crack houses were affordable for studio and gallery space. The arts were a major factor in the revitalization of the area and crime rates plummetted as more people began to venture into the area to experience the cultural vibrancy.
The corridor is re-emerging as one of the most dynamic areas in downtown Phoenix and a valued cultural resource in the metropolitan region and the state."
http://www.rooseveltrow.org/about/roosevelt-row-arts-district/
From phoenix.about.com-
"How did the Phoenix First Friday events get started?
Here's a bit of history. During the latter part of the 1980s there was tremendous interest in downtown arts and entertainment which propelled, among other initiatives, the 1988 Bond election. The election made possible the new central library, the Arizona Science Center, and the Phoenix Museum of History. This new infusion of energy led to the Jackson Street Studios, an arrangement to accommodate artists displaced by the US Airways Center, whuch was called the America West Arena at the time. Artlink was founded with this energy, and some of the art spaces existing during that time, such as Alwun House, live on today.
The annual Art Detour, originally designed as simply an open studios tour, was founded in the spring of 1988, and has attracted hundreds of artists and thousands of art lovers downtown every year. The galleries and alternative art spaces open year-round were joined by music venues, cafes and individual artist studios and, during the 1990s, Artlink decided to organize this into the First Friday event.
How many art spaces are there at First Friday?
First Friday has grown - during the 1998 Season there were 13 spaces open each Friday. There are now more than 100 participants in the First Friday art walk. Spaces are situated from Indian School Road to Buchanan Street, from 12th Street to 17th Avenue - impossible to walk in one night. A free Shuttle-Link service allows Phoenix First Friday visitors to reach most of the spaces.
I used to post a link to an old map of First Friday routes and galleries, but after a few years it became too outdated to include here. If you aren't already familiar with First Friday's routes, just stop at Phoenix Art Museum first and pick up a current map. There's usually an ArtLink volunteer on hand who can answer your questions. Before you head out on Friday evening, check my
tips on the next page.
Should I dress up for First Friday?
The downtown Phoenix First Friday event is not about glitz or champagne or cocktail parties - it is about the inner-city urban experience. Artists living and working downtown exhibit downtown. Thousands of people enjoy what is offered during each First Friday event, and several exhibitions sell half of their offerings during these openings.
When is First Friday?
The First Friday art walk in downtown Phoenix is held on the first Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about First Friday, contact Artlink at 602-256-7539.
What does it cost?
Nothing. First Friday is free."
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/enter/a/firstfriday.htm
My favorite times to go are between 6 and 8. You can typically see a good amount of stuff in those 2 hours, and I'm still home at a reasonable time. I'm not much of a "stay out till the wee hours" type anymore. Also, that time block seems to be the most active in the area I stick to (4th-6th around Roosevelt.)
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