The First Friday Art Walk, taking place tomorrow, is an opportune time for local artists looking to show off their work. One such artist is Jane Orleman, who graduated from Central 45 years ago.

Orleman loves the art walk because of the opportunity it gives her to show her artwork to the community, which she believes is a very important thing.

“It is also fun to show my work to the community,” Orleman said.

The event happens every first Friday of the month inside and outside of galleries in order to honor the local artists and promote their work.

An average of 12 companies will be showcasing the work they’ve done. Some of them will have different kinds of attractions.

Ellensburg WineWorks, one of the stores taking part in the art walk, will have wine tastings.

Gallery One, who both initiates and participates in the event, is extending their hours to 7 p.m.

In addition, a DJ will be playing music from 7 p.m. through 9 p.m., according to Monica Miller, the executive director of Gallery One.

“We love to participate and to introduce new artists. It promotes everything that we do and show it to 300 to 400 people,” Miller said.

Gallery One is located downtown and its mission is to showcase local art, provide after school programs and hold a few quarterly classes on different art forms.

Gallery One encourages the community and students to come and participate in the art walk.

“This event is one of the coolest things that we do,” Miller said. “Students will be surprised about the art that they will see.”

Gallery One is not the only gallery participating in the project. Clymer Art Gallery and 420 Loft Art Gallery are also involved.

However, it’s not just galleries that are a part of this event.

Some stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and public spaces like the Ellensburg Public Library are involved as well.

Participants will meet at Gallery One and then walk all around downtown Ellensburg to visit the different venues. Most of the venues are in the center of downtown but there are a few that are further away such as the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery located on the Central Campus.

According to the City of Ellensburg website, an average of 40 artists exhibit their work.

A list of all the participants can be found in the city’s website, along with a map of the event with all the galleries and expositions that are involved.

The event is always a success and it is important for the community, for the artists and for the galleries. All students are invited to attend and their participation is also important.