First Fridays in Boone

Hodges Gallery, Turchin Center 

Charli Johnson, Member of The Spark

Boone, North Carolina is known for its picturesque mountain views, outdoor adventures, and vibrant arts scene. One of the best ways to experience the town’s unique cultural flair is through the First Friday Art Crawl, a monthly event that brings together local artists, musicians, and community members for an evening of creativity, connection, and celebration.

Held on the first Friday of every month, the Boone First Friday Art Crawl has become a beloved tradition in the high country. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, this event offers something for everyone, from beautiful art displays to live performances and much more.

The First Friday Art Crawl is a celebration of local art and is an opportunity for artists to showcase their work in a casual setting. Art galleries, shops, and studios around downtown Boone open their doors in the evening to display a range of creative works, from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed-media art. The event also invites local artists to set up pop-up shops or even host live demonstrations, allowing attendees to engage with the creative process firsthand.

Bras of Beauty:  Portia Marie York

Shoes as Storytellers: Dori Settles

“First Fridays is a very important event for opportunities to create connections and bring in new people into our center and see the amazing art from artists,” said Crisol Campos, the Visitor Service Director at the Turchin Center located at the beginning of King Street. 

The Turchin Center is known for its dynamic exhibitions, which are carefully curated to reflect a wide range of artistic practices, themes, and media.

 “First Fridays at the Turchin Center are an integral part of our organization and a way to connect our Appalachian State students and community,” said Campos. 

On First Fridays, the center opens its doors to the public, giving visitors a chance to explore the latest exhibitions and special displays, often featuring both emerging and established artists. The center’s exhibitions tend to have a contemporary flair, with a focus on thought-provoking works that engage with pressing social, environmental, and cultural issues.

Photography Exhibit:“Making Kin: Belonging & Longing in Appalachia”

Alex Cox: “Appalachia Strong”

Heather Cormons: “The Afternoon Catch”

Best Single-Image – Lou Murrey, “Julie at the Sorghum Boiler” (Bottom Right)

Other local places such as the Jones House and Nth Degree Gallery also play a big part in First Fridays. The Jones House Community Center is a key part of Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl, showcasing established and emerging artists through rotating exhibitions. Over time it has been restored into a vibrant space with galleries and a performance venue, it also hosts live music and other such performances, offering a lively blend of visual and performing arts each month.

During First Fridays, Nth Degree Gallery opens its doors to the public, inviting visitors to explore its latest exhibits and engage with artists. The gallery is particularly well-known for its vibrant and often provocative exhibitions that explore a wide range of themes, including environmental issues, personal identity, and social commentary. It’s not just a space for viewing art—it’s a place for conversation, where the works on display spark dialogue and reflection.

Nth Degree Gallery: Sofia Salcedo “Two-Headed Lamb & Snake” and “Two-Headed Calf”

So if you are looking for something special to do on a Friday night in Boone, NC, come support your local artists and join us for a fun filled evening. This Friday, April 4, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This edition is particularly special as it coincides with Earth First Friday and the Boone Earth Film Fest. The Turchin Center will feature a Spring Exhibition Celebration, and the Mazie Jones Gallery at the Jones House Community Center will present works by exhibiting artist Jennifer Murphy. Additionally, Nth Degree Gallery will spotlight fiber artists after 7:00 PM.