Gulfport's First Friday Art Walk returns tonight, Oct. 2 from 5 p.m.–9 p.m. after a six-month-long hiatus due to the pandemic. And for the first time ever, the art walk has a theme: “Metamorphosis: Art for Hope and Healing."
It's been a rough six months. For many, this time at home was a metamorphosis of sorts, although I'm afraid not all of us came out as beautiful mask-wearing butterflies. If you’re struggling with all these changes, Gulfport Merchant’s Chamber President Barbara Banno reminds us that “nothing can heal quite like the arts.”
Unfortunately, the pandemic rages on. But the good news is that we're adapting.
Thanks to local artists and business leaders, Gulfport's First Friday Art Walk returns with new safety precautions. There's a new COVID-appropriate layout with hand-washing stations and face masks available on demand.
Nothing is completely without risk these days, but outdoors with masks and social distancing is really the safest way to enjoy art right now. That's why Gulfport's First Friday Art Walk is my top pick for seeing art in person this Friday. More information via visitgulfportflorida.com.
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This article appears in Best of the Bay 2020.