Downtown Cape Girardeau art galleries and businesses will open their doors this evening for First Friday with the Arts.
Ten galleries will feature work by local artists and the surrounding region. Many will host receptions with hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Murielle Gaither is the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri’s executive director, she said many downtown business and restaurants participate.
“A lot of the artists whose artwork is up on the walls, they’re going to be there in person, so you can engage with them. Talk with them about their artwork or their process, what inspired them to create that particular piece of art. There’s not a whole lot of other events in Cape Girardeau that are like that,” Gaither said.
The Arts Council is hosting the first annual member exhibit, which feature artwork from many artists who have never displayed in the past.
Gallery doors will be open between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Some of the other local businesses stay open later and feature special promotions and receptions.