First Fridays kicks off its new season with a gallery night on Feb. 2.
The evening will feature 10 gallery openings with more than 20 venues open with art, music,
and more in downtown Aurora.
Aurora Public Art Commission hosts “Nevertheless: Women Depicting Women” from 5 to 8 p.m.
at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl. The invitational show curated by
new public art director Jen Evans features 10 female artists and welcomes DJ Cqqchifruit.
“Documenting Downtown: A Photo Show” opens at Metropolitan Coworking, 14 W. Downer Pl.
Ste. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. The show features eight local photographers who capture the beauty
and essence of downtown Aurora. East Aurora High School Jazz Ensemble performs from 6 to
8 p.m.
The traveling Hmong American Voices Exhibit opens at Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St.,
from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The exhibit immerses visitors in Hmong history, material culture, and
explores what it means to be Hmong American. First Hmong Alliance Church Choir performs
beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Dunham Atrium.
Also at First Fridays, visit pop up shops at Aurora Regional Fire Museum and All Spoked Up,
and ride the free trolley from 6 to 10 p.m.
Art openings, live music, and more are featured at First Fridays on Feb. 2 at several locations
throughout downtown including:
If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Ave., opens “Essence: Amanda Meyer,” conceptual
photography from artist Amanda Meyer. 7 to 10 p.m.
Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, opens “Images of the Aurora Fire Department:
Photographs by Jim DeSomer.” 5 to 8 p.m.
The ArtBar, 205 N. Broadway, is back in the tavern at Two Brothers Roundhouse with the
Euphoria Show and in the lounge with Josh Schultz. 6 p.m. to midnight
Fox Art Studio, 9 S. Stolp Ave., opens “Jim Zimmer: Recent Collage Work” and “Dada Soul
Face.” 6 to 9 p.m.
Gallery 1904, 1 E. Benton St., opens “Identity/PEOPLE.” Five local artists explore the theme.
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. gallery1904.com
The Web, 134 W. Downer Pl., features Aurora artist Josue Paiz for one-night only. 6 p.m. to 1
a.m.
Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York St., features art by Marisa Muro in the Brick Gallery and live
music by Olivia Ports. 6 to 9 p.m.
River’s Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer Blvd. Ste. 18, is open until 9 p.m. with Ben and Jecelyn
Shankin.
Gremlen Recording Studios, 130 W. Downer Pl., hosts a karaoke night and open house. 6 to 9
p.m.
Gillerson’s Grubbery, 33 W. New York St., welcomes Sweetwater Brewery starting at 6 p.m. The
brewery is giving out free glassware with draft purchase.
AKA Dance, 14 W. Downer Pl., hosts Family Game Night. 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd., is open with Respect the Mic, a spoken word open mic. 9 to
10:30 p.m.
SciTech, 18 W. Benton St., opens “Frozen Fractals Student Art Show,” featuring artwork by
Rosary and Marmion students. The traveling exhibit “Climate Change Oceans: Acid vs. Life”
opens. 6 to 8 p.m.
Oddlots Gallery at Holbrook Mill, 121 W. Benton St., hosts “1000 Words” by Jean Hess. Misty
River Music Makers performs at 7 p.m. 6 to 9 p.m
Indie Studio Space, 105 E. Galena Blvd., hosts a member showcase with Bruce Jones, founder
of Naperville Photo Club. 5 to 8 p.m.
Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Pl., is open with $5 mini classes, demos, massage, and
more. 6 to 9 p.m.
All Spoked Up, 14 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 12, hosts pop up shop vendors Wheatley Design and
Studio88. 5 to 9 p.m.
Christian Science Reading Room, 34 S. Stolp Ave., is open with free kids crafts. 6 to 9 p.m.
First Fridays maps are available at all venues. Free trolley rides run from 6 to 10 p.m. For more
information, visit www.auroradowntown.org.
About Aurora Downtown
Aurora Downtown is a nonprofit group of business and property owners within Special Service
Area (SSA) #One that is dedicated to making downtown Aurora a premier destination for arts,
culture, entertainment, dining, living, and working. Learn more at www.auroradowntown.com.
