December's First Friday will celebrate a year of talent, creativity and growth in the local art scene by showing some of the best works of 2010 at the Pajama Factory.
The main event, hosted by the Bald Eagle Art League, is "The Best of BEAL at the Factory," a juried art show in which BEAL members have submitted their best work. Michel Worobec, president of BEAL, said about 35 pieces will be entered in the show, to be held in studios 15 and 16. The exhibit's opening and reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and again 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
"It's an effort on my part and the Pajama Factory's part to reach out to the community, with the combination of art education and promoting original arts and crafts made in the area," Worobec said of the evening. "The artisans in the factory plus the artisans that are a part of the BEAL - we're showing the best works of both groups."
A few Pajama Factory tenants will open up their studios to display exhibits, according to Jennifer E. Rixey, Pajama Factory business manager. Artists Steven and Rita Bower, of Venus and Mars studio 48, will exhibit and sell watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings. Guest artists Rich and Georgie Bower also will sell ironwork tables and glass jewelry, 5 to 9 p.m. The Graphic Hive gallery, studio 46, will showcase the work of local artists Casey Gleghorn, John Yogodzinski, Jada Ramsey and Luke Yocum.
"All the art in the halls will be showcasing the Pajama Factory tenants," Rixey added.
Susquehanna Life Magazines, located in studio 13, will open its doors to celebrate its one-year anniversary at the Pajama Factory. Publisher Erica Shames said she wanted to open a Williamsport location in order to expand the magazine's circulation and advertising base. She chose the Pajama Factory because of its atmosphere.
"I was so impressed by the caliber of people that were involved with the Pajama Factory and their creativity, their willingness to take a risk and their excitement about the future and what it would hold for them. I wanted to be part of that," Shames said.
The open house will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and will feature new Susquehanna Life Magazine covers and articles in the gallery as well as the work of artist Erin Yust Brown. Brown's "Empty Purses" exhibit features ceramic purses that provide a commentary on the economy and its effects on women.
First Friday will offer the Pajama Factory's first Holiday Market Fair, which will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The fair will feature holiday vendors in studio 10, selling ornaments, wreaths and gifts, as well as a display of Christmas trees decorated by students from Williamsport Area School District. Worobec said schools in the district were offered the chance to decorate trees through BEAL's Adopt A Christmas Tree program, which will donate the trees to the schools after the exhibit. Families can expect a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will pass out cookies from 5 to 9 p.m.
Worobec said the last First Friday of 2010 is the perfect time to look back on the accomplishments made this year by local artists and by the Pajama Factory.
"The Pajama Factory has really been growing," he said. "Some outstanding artists are renting space ... It really is becoming quite a notable place. It's definitely on the map."
For more information, call 323-7650 or visit www.pajamafactory.net.
