Southport's First Friday Gallery Walk
The charming, coastal town of Southport, North Carolina is well-known for many things, from its idyllic charm to it’s historical significance among a few. It is also home to many thriving and talented artists that work in all mediums and we love to show off their talents! The year-round First Friday Gallery Walk is a happening social event around town that takes place on the first Friday of each month and is a fantastic way to explore the galleries and art of the town, while having a great time eating, drinking, listening to music and socializing in the process.
If you haven’t participated in the First Friday Gallery Walk, then now is the perfect time as weather is starting to warm up and days are getting longer. If you have participated, then its likely you’ve been back again and again! The gallery walk is free to the public and begins at 5pm at Franklin Square Gallery where you’ll enjoy wine and appetizers while perusing the art of local artists. The gallery itself is a work of art and an important piece of Southport’s history, having served as a school house, the town hall and a library since 1904.
From there, you’ll enjoy a pleasant stroll to each of the participating galleries (listed below) where you’ll be greeted with friendly faces while making new friends. Venues feature food and drinks and often live music and the streets are filled a great vibe. When you are done with the gallery walk, stop in at any of Southport’s great restaurants for dinner. It’s a fantastic way to start the first weekend of every month!
Participating Galleries include:
Franklin Square Gallery | 130 E. West Street | 910-457-5450
Franklin Square is a Southport staple and features local artists and fine gifts. The gallery has been run by volunteer artists from The Associated Artists of Southport for over 30 years.
Howe Outrageous | 307 N. Howe Street | 910-363-4811
Howe Outrageous is an eclectic collection of fine arts, fine crafts, unique jewelry and other handmade goods inspired by the Cape Fear region. They also offer classes for everyone, from serious students to paint and pour parties.
Ricky Evans Gallery | 211 N. Howe Street | 910-457-1129
Ricky Evans is a well-known artists throughout the region whose body of work includes landmarks and scenes along the Southeaster coast, including his famous lighthouse series. He features regional artists and the gallery itself has come to epitomize the Coastal Carolina culture.
Lantana’s Gallery | 113 S. Howe Street | 910-457-0957
Lantana’s is a family-run gallery of local art, crafts, jewelry and many handcrafted and unique gift options. They offer over 50 local, regional and national artists varying from traditional to unconventional in a wide variety of mediums.
Silver Coast Winery & Gallery | 105 S. Howe Street | 901-777-5151
Silver Coast Gallery features an eclectic gift shop and art gallery as well as a wine shop where you can sample and purchase their award-winning wine. They prove that wine and art are the perfect pairing.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until First Friday to enjoy these galleries! They are open year-round and are always featuring new artists and work from around town and around the world. You can make your own gallery walk while visiting Southport any day of the week! Just make sure to stop into Mr. P's for dinner when you do!