First Fridays – May 2025

Join us for an evening of vibrant creativity and connection at our May First Friday reception, featuring three distinct artistic voices across our galleries.

In the Up Front Gallery, experience the expressive and textured oil paintings of Mark Johnson, whose evocative landscapes and abstract impressions speak to memory, place, and feeling.

In the Anne White Gallery, we are proud to present a dual exhibition by acclaimed artists Karen Bowden and Lawrence Bowden. Karen showcases her luminous mixed media compositions, rich with color and texture, evoking a dreamlike sense of natural beauty. Lawrence brings forth his powerful series, “Gentling the Bull,” combining tradition and symbolism in striking works that reflect both discipline and grace.

The evening will include a reception with refreshments, and guests are encouraged to meet the artists and explore the stories behind the works.

The Academy Center of the Arts is proud to present a new gallery exhibition each month featured in our Academy Galleries.

To see the current exhibits, please visit Artistica.shop

Join the Academy every First Friday of the month from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, as we unveil our latest art exhibits, featuring an array of local, regional and national artists presenting their works in various mediums.

The Ann White Academy and Up Front Galleries are both located on the first floor of the Patricia Harrington Gallery Building located at 600 Main Street.

The Up Front Gallery & The Ann White Academy Gallery 

Mark Johnson

First Friday Music

Karen and Lawrence Bowden