February First Friday: Community, Creativity, and Open Studios Full of Life
Stutz Artists proved that cold weather is no match for a warm and vibrant arts community!
Guests bundled up and came out in full force, filling the Stutz Artists studios on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of The Stutz building with conversation, curiosity, and creative energy. From the moment visitors stepped inside, they were greeted by music echoing through the hallways and original artwork lining the walls—transforming every corridor into a gallery experience. Guests enjoyed music by A Bright Abyss, Keith Beatty, and Tochi Angel as they explored the building and consumed local art.
One of the most exciting parts of the night was seeing artists actively working in their studios. Instead of simply viewing finished pieces, guests had an opportunity to watch art come to life in real time, ask questions, and connect directly with the creators behind the work.
Second Floor Highlights
Susan Brewer in Studio A-205 welcomed a steady stream of visitors throughout the evening. “I had over 150 people stop into my studio tonight and sold some artwork,” she shared. “It was great to see everyone out supporting local artists, and I hope to see even more folks next month!”
Just down the hall, Natalie Starks in Studio A-210 worked on one of her distinctive light paintings while vinyl records spun in her studio. Guests could flip through her collection, pick a record, and enjoy the soundtrack as they explored her space—adding a playful, interactive layer to the open studio experience.
Other busy studios on the second floor included Chuck Horsman with his art prints on coasters for sale in Studio A-255 which is shared with Woolrich Candle Co. where guests could buy beautiful handmade candles. Stuart Alter in Studio A-280, Cathy Williams in Studio A-255, Rosey and Johnson Simon in their shared Studio A-275, and Barbara Peterson in Studio A-250. All of these artists had bright, colorful new works for everyone to enjoy and purchase for their home collections.
Third Floor Creativity
On the 3rd floor, familiar faces welcomed visitors into their studios. In Studio A-320, Anna Afshar displayed a fresh still life setup featuring flowers and artichokes she’d purchased earlier that day. She admires their sculptural form and natural beauty, later transforming them into delicate watercolor paintings that capture their texture and shape.
Music filled the hallway between the A and B wings, where local musician Keith Beatty performed smooth, soulful tunes. His mix of originals and creative covers drew crowds who paused mid-stroll to listen, smile, and soak in the atmosphere.
There were several other artists on the third floor with studios open to the public who welcomed everyone in to explore their work. Guests checked out and tried on shoe designs by Joey Khamis in Studio A-360. Right next door, Rob Smith in Studio in A-370 was open and busy. April Willy was in her Studio A-335 live painting, and she had punch, chocolates, and snacks to share with guests as they looked at her art! The popular vintage clothing store, indyvin in Studio A-365, is always a First Friday visitor favorite. Guests stopped by to shop for vintage clothing and speak to Founder & Fashion Designer, Stephanie Nugent. Nuova Vita Vintage in Studio B-320 was also open with vintage clothing finds for sale. Raw Sugar Photography in Studio A-375 was open for guests to view the photography space and ask questions. Plus Peter Michael in Studio B-345 welcomed First Friday visitors into is photography space to see where he works and talk about his business IN Dancing Light Photography.
Fourth Floor Energy
The whole building was lively, and the 4th floor was especially electric! Alexander Coleman Dance Company in Studio A-430 hosted a special hallway performance featuring youth dance groups, including the ACDC Elite Ladies, moving to the fiery vocals of Martha Navarro. The performance turned the corridor into a stage and brought cheers from the audience.
Nearby, Karen Graeser in Studio B-430—fresh off a recent studio reorganization—painted live for guests, inviting them to watch her landscape piece develop brushstroke by brushstroke.
And, our community knows and loves Jim Gerard in Studio A-455 who offers drawing classes. His studio is always full of art lovers on First Friday. Jim is generous and in addition to great art and conversation, you can count on him to offer guests all kinds of food and drink options as they take in the full experience of what First Friday open studios are all about!
Gina Shuppert of Piper & Claire Photography in Studio B-435 also had a nice setup of her family photography set up. She also included a signup for First Friday guests who are interested in the other side of her work through BARE Unfiltered.
And, if you saw some shoes in the hallway on the 4th floor, you must have been near Energy Bodies in Studio A-450, where many visitors take off their shoes before entering. This shared creative space is full of positive community vibes, and many guests spent some First Friday time hanging out, sitting in circles on the floor, and mingling with their like-minded peers.
First Friday at the Stutz isn’t just an art event—it’s an experience.
It’s where community meets creativity, where visitors become participants, and where every floor offers something unexpected. This month proved once again that when local artists open their doors, the community shows up—no matter the temperature outside.
Looking Ahead to Easel by Penrod
The excitement is already building among members of the Stutz Artists Association as we look ahead to the upcoming Easel celebration with our friends at the Penrod Society. Artists throughout the building have been sharing event details and ticket links with their followers because this beloved annual tradition is one of the biggest nights of the year for our creative community—a time when art lovers show up in full force to celebrate and support the arts.
Easel takes place the day after our next First Friday, making it the perfect opportunity to turn your plans into a full weekend of inspiration. Start your art-filled adventure on Friday, March 6, exploring open studios and meeting artists in person, then continue the celebration on Saturday, March 7, at Easel.
Stutz Artists are proud to collaborate on this vibrant event each year, and we can’t wait to see everyone dressed in cocktail attire, dancing shoes ready, and spirits high for a fabulous evening of food, art, fellowship, and fun.
