‘Virtual First Friday’ Returns With Lineup Of Talented Artists

SAN DIEGO, CA — Although arts and cultural institutions remain closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, San Diego’s Arts District Liberty Station continues to bring arts and entertainment to the homes of San Diegans and other art enthusiasts across the country through “Virtual First Friday.”

Arts District Liberty Station launched Virtual First Friday in April. The online-only event is back for a fifth time Friday, Aug. 7, offering a virtual lineup of talented local artists and creatives, from live art workshops to dance performances.

First Friday is in its 12th year at Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego’s largest arts and cultural district located in historic buildings at the former Naval Training Center in the Liberty Station neighborhood. Virtual First Friday is a virtual version of the Arts District Liberty Station’s monthly showcase of its arts and culture groups.

Virtual First Friday Schedule for Aug. 7:

Live Dance

San Diego Dance Theater will present a live performance featuring “Excerpts from Cabaret Dances” by Jean Isaacs, performed by company dancers Jessica Gilmore and Cecily Holcombe and guest artist Jessica Curiel. In addition, work study dancer Danielle Muckle will share “Dicky the Stick” choreographed by SDDT founder George Willis. SDDT will also take a retrospective look at an intergenerational piece from 2019. Live at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Malashock Dance will present a live introduction and commentary about “Without a Net,” a circus-themed dance show produced for the 2019 La Jolla Playhouse WOW Festival, followed by recorded clips from the performance. In addition, Malashock will present the world premier showing of “INBOUND,” John Malashock’s new dance film. Following the film, John and Milly Puryear will host a live Q&A session. Live at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Live Art

Canela Photography will share a rhythmic gymnast photoshoot. Live from 4-4:30 p.m. on Instagram.

Remi Dalton Visual Artist will host the Remi Dalton Dreamhouse gallery online exhibition with special Instagram content. Live at 4 p.m. on Instagram.

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VELTZ Fine Art will present “Transfer Prints Part 3,” a prerecorded session on water-based mixed media transfer prints plus a live interview with visiting artist Lisa Bryson, featuring “Homage,” an oil on canvas portrait series examining the complex state of being. Live from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Facebook Live.

Milk Oolong Studio will host a Throwing Vases/Pottery Wheel Demo with surface decoration such as slip trailing, stamping and sgraffito. Live at 5 p.m. on Instagram Live.

Nina Montejano will present a look at her new works, works in process and will sell prints and pieces via Instagram. Updates will be posted between 5-7 p.m. on Instagram.

Artist Leslie Pierce Studio will present “Painting in a Pandemic,” an oil painting demo and art talk. Leslie will also showcase brand new paintings. Live from 6-8 p.m.

Live Events for Kids

Reading Legacies will host a live read-a-loud and interactive games with Reading Legacies team member Claire. Join Claire for two live storybook readings, interactive games like Mad Libs and Emoji Pictionary and a Q&A session to learn more about the benefits of reading with children. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Live from 4-5 p.m. on Instagram.

Songbirds Music will present the Summer Family Jam! Gather the family, grab something to tap, shake or swoosh, and sing and dance along. Recommended for ages 8 and younger. Pre-registration is required. Live from 4-4:30 p.m. Register here.

San Diego Craft Collective will present a puppet show performed by Miss Amy and Miss Sheila. Recommended for ages 2-6. Live from 5-5:30 p.m. In addition, there will be a workshop Q&A session with live demo on the SawStop tablesaw. All ages are welcome. Live from 6-7 p.m.

New Art

California State Parks presents “A Shot in the Park,” a juried photography exhibition that encourages California State Parks users, supporters and photography enthusiasts to capture and share their favorite views, places, moments and adventures in California State Parks. View the photos and vote for People’s Choice.

Visions Art Museum offers the virtual exhibition opening of Judith Content’s “Shadow Dance,” Melody Money’s “Of Meadows and Blue Skies,” and Teri McHale’s “Remnants.” Some highlights of the opening include a video by Money describing her inspiration, a slideshow about McHale’s process and a Q&A with featured artists.

June Rubin Studio/Gallery features “Luxor Dreams” on her website and Instagram.

Lauren LeVieux Artist Studio presents a three-minute insight into the “Walk the Labyrinth” Public Art Installation funded by the 2019 Illuminate the Night grant from NTC Foundation.

San Diego Watercolor Society presents “Internal Combustion,” an online art exhibition juried by award-winning artist Craig Anderson. The virtual exhibit can be viewed online through Aug. 29. LINK

Victoria Hanlon Studio welcomes guests to see her works.

Food and Drink

Breakfast Republic: patio dining and takeout available

Chi Chocolat & Banyan Kitchen: patio dining and takeout available

Dirty Birds: patio dining, takeout and delivery available

Liberty Public Market: patio dining and takeout available

The Loma Club: patio dining and takeout available

The LOT: patio dining and takeout available

Moniker Coffee/Moniker General: patio dining, takeout and delivery available

Officine Buona Forchetta: patio dining, takeout and delivery available

Slaters 50/50: patio dining, takeout and delivery available

Solare Ristorante: patio dining, takeout and delivery available

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens: patio dining, takeout and delivery available

This article originally appeared on the San Diego Patch