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Join us on the first Friday of every month from 6:00 to 8:00 PM for an evening of art, open studios, conversation, and creative energy at ClearStory Arts! First Friday is a chance to wander through the building, explore open studios, spend time in the gallery, shop our Mini Market, and experience the creative pulse of the space all in one visit.

About First Friday: First Friday is a much larger tradition than just our event at ClearStory, though. This tradition has taken root in creative communities across the country. Supposedly, First Friday began during the Renaissance era, when artists would take their pieces outside of their studios and museums and display them in the street. Today, in many cities, the first Friday of the month has become a standing invitation to explore galleries, artist studios, and art spaces after hours, often with live music, special exhibitions, performances, and community through creativity. Cities with especially well-known First Friday traditions include Philadelphia, Richmond, Denver, Phoenix, Knoxville, and Santa Cruz, each with its own version of the gallery hop or art walk format.

Other Nearby Events: Chattanooga has its own First Friday crawl too, and it is growing into a really fun way to explore the city’s art spaces in one evening. You can learn more about participating spaces through First Friday Chatt on Instagram (@first_friday_chatt), or check out the citywide map for all participating sites. We’ve been proud to be part of this tradition since our doors opened in 2021, and can't wait to invite you into our space.

Event FAQs

Q: What time do doors open?

A: Doors open at 6:00 PM sharp! If you get here early, we are so glad you are excited to join us! Guest entry begins at 6:00 PM, every time, because that final stretch before the doors open gives our artists the time they need to get everything just right for you.

Q: Is this event free?

A: Yes! First Friday is completely FREE. However, we absolutely accept donations if you're willing. A $5 suggested donation helps us provide refreshments our guests. If you leave a donation in advance, let us know what snacks and drinks are your favorite, and we'll see what we can do!

Q: Can I buy art?

A: Yes, of course! All work displayed in the gallery can be purchased at the front desk. Our Mini Market guests are there specifically to sell work they've recently created. And, studio artists often have work available for purchase in their private studios, so come ready to discover something amazing and maybe head home with a new favorite piece!

Open Studios

Open studios are the foundation of the night!

First Friday gives guests the chance to step into real working artist studios and experience the space where the work actually happens. That is a pretty unique thing, and we ask everyone to move through those spaces with care, curiosity, and respect. Every artist has their own comfort level, their own setup, and their own way of sharing their work, so following each artist’s lead helps keep the evening welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Many artists are happy to talk about what they are making, what they are exploring, and what is available for sale. And yes, artists do sell work in their studios, so keep your eyes open and your wallets ready, because there is often incredible work in the building that even we are seeing for the first time!

Want to know whether a specific artist may be around? You can browse the artists in our space here. Many artists include contact info and socials, which makes it easy to reach out directly and ask them if they'll be there.

And if you came to a previous First Friday and still cannot stop thinking about the incredible artist you met that night, reach out! We are always happy to help you figure out who it was!

Gallery

Be sure to spend time in the gallery, too!

Our gallery is always a huge part of the evening, with artwork across the walls and a current exhibition that adds even more to explore while you are here. It is the perfect place to slow down, take a closer look, and see what is on view right now.

If you want details about the current show, click here. ClearStory’s current exhibition page is updated with the show on view and gallery visiting information.

Mini Market

First Friday also includes our Mini Market in the Workspace!

The Mini Market features five booths from local artists and makers, adding another layer of discovery to the evening. It is a fun way to shop small, meet creative people from the community, and find original handmade work while you are here.

Interested in setting up a booth for First Friday? Spots fill up quick - reach out today!

Plan Your Visit

We cannot wait to welcome you to First Friday at ClearStory Arts!

Come explore the gallery, meet artists, wander through open studios, shop the Mini Market, and spend the evening surrounded by art, conversation, and creative energy!

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