A Celebration of the Arts and Downtown

Fourth Friday is a true celebration of the arts and downtown. Folks of all ages get a taste of Fayetteville's art and entertainment while enjoying the small galleries, bookstores, bistros and shops with unique items for shoppers.

Even the streets become the stage for roaming magicians, puppet shows and drum circles. It’s safe, it's fun and did we mention it's free!

The night begins at 7 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) at the Arts Council on 301 Hay Street. Exhibits, entertainment, refreshments and featured artists all combine to bring the art of Fayetteville to everyone – free of charge! Businesses in the four and a half block of historic downtown Fayetteville join the action and become artistic venues on Fourth Friday, featuring the arts in all forms, for all ages.

Families love it. Seniors love it. Teens love it. Arts supporters love it. And once you've been to a Fourth Friday, you'll love it too. So what are you waiting for? Join us on Fourth Friday.

June 4th Friday Debuts Artwork by Regional Artists

This Fourth Friday, the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County welcomes recipients of the Arts Council’s Regional Artist Project Grants (RAP). This exhibition debuts, June 26 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at 301 Hay St.

The show reflects the diverse talent of visual artists in a variety of mediums. Performing artists, including composer Charis Duke of Fayetteville, will also share selections from their work. Duke will present two musical numbers from a children’s opera that she wrote with the assistance of a RAP grant.

Recipients of the grants are emerging or established artists, who as a general rule have completed some basic education in their form. RAP grants provide support to a broad range of exceptionally talented visual, performing, literary and inter-disciplinary artists by funding a project that will have a significant impact on the advancement of their professional career.

The Arts Council is now accepting applications for 2009-2010 RAP grants cycle. For more information about how to apply, contact Kelly Williams, grants manager, at (910) 323-1776 or KellyW@TheArtsCouncil.com.

The Regional Artists exhibition runs through July 18; gallery hours are M-Th, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m. until noon; and Sat., noon until 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Other Places to Visit on June Fourth Friday

• Cape Fear Studios: Exhibition debut of pottery by Edge Barnes of Raleigh. This exhibit of seaweed, horsehair and wood-fired pottery will be on display through July 22.

• CJ Designs, Inc.: Artwork from abstract to traditional. Original art and photographs by Lynn Cyrus.

• Cotton Exchange: Jazz by Cape Fear Music Center. Refreshments.

• Fascinate-U: Arts and crafts, make-and-take summer lilies. Refreshments.

• Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum: Exhibits and artifacts of transportation from days gone by are featured at the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum. The museum is housed in the restored circa 1890 Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Depot. Vintage cars on display.

• Headquarters Library: Join the library's Adult Programming Team for gaming, grown-up style! Chess tournaments and a larger-than-life version of our very own Fayette-opoly game, complete with Fayette-money and Fayette-chance cards. Try out the Play Station for air guitar with Keith Richards or go bowling with the Wii.

• Market House: Exhibition detailing the history and various uses of the Market House.

• Rude Awakening: “The Art of Tea" bowls by Greg Hathaway.

• White Trash: Echo of The Dreamer jewelry by Margaret Thurman.