First Friday artist event takes over Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Just after a year into the resurgence of Albany’s First Friday, A night where artists get to display their talents throughout the city, is now taking on a larger venue. NEWS10 was out and about for the event.  

“This is my first time; this is our first time at the First Friday. We didn't even know it existed,” said Gerri Malone-Kraushaar.

The First Friday, August edition, is literally all over the city. The first stop brought the NEWS10 crew to the Elks Lodge where the party got started with live music and of course, some art. “We're very excited that First Friday has grown to the size that it has on a routine basis. We have now between 15 and 20 sites where you can get one to two variations of exhibits, and or free music. We want everybody to get excited about it. We want everybody to experience free entertainment in the city,” said Leanne Ricchiuti. Ricchiuti is one of the many who helped coordinate tonight’s event says this has been the idea since they got the project restarted back in May 2023. 

Another gallery was set up at City Hall utilizing the rotunda. Local artist, Ottavia Huang, says she gets her inspiration from the landscape she’s visited throughout the Capital Region. “For First Friday, it's my first time, ever! I'm so excited.” Huang enjoys the opportunity to display her art in such a setting. “I'm feeling so lucky to be here. My work is mostly about all things around New York, and wherever I go. So, I bring here to display my art, feeling like a full circle for me.”

Just down the way at the Albany Center Gallery NEWS10 Reporter James De La Fuente had a moment to interact with the art at their “From This to That” exhibition. There were artists everywhere, downtown.

“Is it the object that makes artwork to switch? Or is it the process in between the art sign and the switch, that cord? The metaphorical cord that takes you from A to B to create artwork,” asked artist Abraham Ferraro.

First Fridays have grown so big they're now taking over The Egg. It had every stage and lobby packed. an open concept allowed for easy flow from the top to the bottom of the egg. “It's all part of our movement to open our doors come take a chance on The Egg. It's a place that feels impenetrable and amazing it defines the Albany Skyline. So, it's part of a new series that we're launching called open house,” said Executive Director Diane Eber.

The fun continued over on Lark Street as the sounds of drums filled the air. First Friday is on the first Friday of every month.