It’s First Friday time again and we are excited to host the Connecting Artists at the G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery this evening. First Fridays are a partnership between several local galleries and businesses designed to promote a recurring evening of art and community each month. It has proven to be a great opportunity to get out and see what is going on around town, and I encourage everyone to join in!

Tonight the art galleries will be open from 5-7 p.m. and each location will have artists on site to visit about their work. All the exhibits are open to the public and free of charge. There will be four downtown businesses celebrating First Friday as well, including Ben’s Brewing Company, LilyCrest, The Pantry and Rexall Drug.

The Art House Gallery will have several things going on including an art sale, raffle and walk-in portraits. Jake Kidney will be hosting a closeout sale on all of his artwork including paintings, photographs, prints and mixed media works. While you are there, be sure to purchase a raffle ticket for a metallic print of the Yankton Fireworks over the historic Meridian Bridge. Jake will once again be offering walk-in portraits at the gallery tonight. There is a cost, which includes an 8 X 10 print and a set of wallets. The gallery will be set with a variety of backgrounds; you just need to show up and smile!

Down the street at OneTen Art Gallery, the work of local artist Wanda Veltkamp will be featured. OneTen will be featuring several paintings by Wanda along with her beautifully handcrafted stained glass birdhouses. She will be at the gallery to visit with guests throughout the evening.

Meanwhile, the Studio Art Center on Douglas Avenue will be opening their new Fall Art Show, “Natural Expressions: Abstract, Impressionism & Realism.” This exhibit features art created by the students in the three modes. The show offers a wide range of art on display and this evening instructor, Lita Stucky, will give demonstrations for visitors.

The fourth gallery on tonight’s agenda is our own G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery, located at 508 Douglas Street. This evening, the Connecting Artists will be at the gallery to visit about their current show and about their organization. This is a great opportunity to meet the members of the Connecting Artists and learn more about what they do and how you can get involved.

We will also be welcoming back Dot Stoll from Six String Studios. Dot will be playing music with her student, Matt Lafave, and will visit with guests about the impact music can have on an individual’s life. Yankton Area Arts and our guests had a fantastic time with Dot in September and we are thrilled to have her join us again this evening!

Also at the gallery you can purchase your tickets for the 2010 Tour of Homes. Tickets are also available at Hy-Vee, Rexall Drug, and Pied Piper Flowers, online at www.YanktonAreaArts.org or from any Yankton Area Arts board member. Each ticket includes admission to five homes, dessert and 10 percent off all purchases at the Crimson Door Holiday Gift Gallery at the G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery.

As if the art weren’t enough, you might also win some wonderful gifts in celebration of the First Friday events! At the G.A.R. Hall, you can register to win a free season pass for the Yankton Area Concert Association or a Yankton Area Arts family membership. Speaking of the Yankton Area Concert Association, tonight “Forever Plaid” will be appearing at the Summit Center beginning at 7:30 p.m., which means you have plenty of time to check out all the galleries and stores and still make it to the performance.

While you are getting your art fix, remember to support our participating First Friday businesses as well. Cathy at LilyCrest is preparing for tomorrow’s Design Showcase event and you can stop and see what’s in store. Meanwhile at the Pantry, Dick will have special treats for visitors and will be sharing new items for the holiday season. Rexall Drug is also open tonight until 6 p.m., and while you are there be sure to purchase your ticket for the 2010 Tour of Homes. Finally, don’t forget to stop at Ben’s Brewing and ask for the First Friday wine special.

As always, I would like to encourage everyone to take some time out and experience the arts tonight; please support the businesses and galleries that work together to make this happen every month. To make planning your evening even easier, please visit www.YanktonAreaArts.org where you can print out a map. I hope to see you tonight!

YAA Calendar of Events:

• through Nov. 24 — “Earth, Wind, Fire & Water” exhibit featuring the Yankton Connecting Artists at the G.A.R. Hall Art Gallery. Free to the public.

• Nov. 5 — First Friday Art Night, 5-7 p.m.:

– Art House Gallery: Walk-in Portraits and Art Sale by Jake Kidney

– OneTen Gallery: Wanda Veltkamp

– The Studio Art Gallery: Natural Expressions Show and Art Demo

– G.A.R. Hall: “Earth, Wind, Fire and Water” featuring the Connecting Artists and Dot Stoll from Six Strings Studio

• Nov. 5 — “Forever Plaid,” brought to you by Yankton Area Concert Association at the Summit Center Theater, 7:30 p.m.

• Nov. 8 — The 2010 String Orchestra Festival, Yankton High School Theater, 7 p.m.; free admission.

• Dec. 5 — Tour of Homes: “This Old House … Only Better.” Tickets now on sale. Call 605-665-9754

The G.A.R. Hall Gallery and Yankton Area Arts office are located at 508 Douglas Avenue, Yankton. The gallery is open to the public free of charge from 1-5 p.m. weekdays and from 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, contact Pam Meylor, executive director, via e-mail at Pam@YanktonAreaArts.org or at (605) 665-9754.