Emporia First Friday Art Walk

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

Emporia First Friday is raising funds to invest in resources and equipment for our Artist Professional Development Center.

The funds raised on Match Day will go towards the center. The center will be a place where artists can gather and learn how to enhance their business skills in areas such as exhibition, promotion, and financial.

Mission

The mission of Emporia First Friday is to promote cultural growth by connecting artists to the community.

Profile

Since Emporia First Friday’s (EFF) inception in 2016, the monthly Art Walk has benefitted local and regional artists, the local community, and small businesses.

EFF has provided a platform for local and regional artists to sell and/or display their art which has helped many bridge the gap between hobby and profession. Face-to-face interaction with customers is invaluable when selling artwork because artists can make personal and professional connections, explain the processes and meaning of their work, and build lasting relationships with customers. Even if no sales are made, the positive feedback that artists receive builds their confidence and inspires them to continue creating.

Community members who attend the Emporia First Friday Art Walk enjoy the relaxed environment and having a consistent monthly event. Because the Art Walk is constantly evolving with new artists, shows, and venues; there is always something to look forward to and the event does not become stagnant. Art Walkers have come from all over the region and plan trips to Emporia around the Art Walk. We have even had several out-of-state Art Walkers.

The Art Walk would not be successful without the participation of local small business owners. Businesses graciously host an artist each month with either an exhibition of art that hangs on their wall or a pop-up show that only lasts the duration of the Art Walk (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Businesses continue to participate because of increased foot traffic and sales during Art Walk. In fact, many participating businesses state that First Friday has become their most profitable day of the month.

The Emporia First Friday Art Walk has helped foster professional development for local artists, boosted the local economy in Emporia, and promoted cultural growth.