alien drifter

Just back from First Friday, again. I'll have to make a permalink. It was a different experience this time because I am tired and was joined by 5 others. There was more free wine this time, no band and maybe fewer people. But still crowded. Did get into 1708 this time. A peace officer was there but no direction was needed.

A new place has opened up. I think it's 1837 (not sure of all the numbers) but it's next to Tarrant's Drug Store on Foushee and Broad. Our group started there and then progressed to 1708 after which we crossed Broad to Visual Art Studio, The Orange Door and ArtSpace. ArtSpace had my favorite exhibit again. Although the flip book and bells at The Orange Door came very close. I was beginning to notice how attracted I was to small works at The Orange Door so it was very pleasureable to discover that the 1708 exhibition was all about small pieces (titled "Huge").

The best eats were at QueerSpace - luscious chocolate merengues. The best performance was right outside - a young black man reciting poetry. Although the drummers outside of Upcast were quite remarkable.

It's different going with folks. It took two hours instead of my usual one. The fun was discussing the pieces and the people. People watching was right up there with the art. Every type of philosophy, sexual orientation, lifestyle and age was represented. If you don't see them at First Friday they don't exist in Richmond.

There are signs of bodacious entrepreneurs taking advantage of the foot traffic. An architect was open showcasing some art as well as the businesses in his building. Comfort, a restaurant, was doing crushing business. A couple of blocks off Broad, a new bar named "Barcode" has emerged. A beauty salon was open.