621 Gallery hosted its monthly First Friday event Friday, its first since the return of students to Tallahassee.
The event in Railroad Square is designed to attract people in the community, highlight the current exhibition and support local artists in the Tallahassee area.
“We want the community to come out and have fun,” said Joshua Johnson, president of the board of directors at 621. “As a 40-year-old contemporary art space, I think the effect that the gallery has on the community is that we are now ingrained in the community. The board members, the volunteers, the patrons, are people of the community, and we support local arts.”
More than 60 attendees came to the gallery to view the art, donate, and engage with the community.
“There is so much to see and do. The art, seeing people I know, and meeting new people makes 621 Gallery a great environment,” said Grady Enlow, who attended the event. “First Friday benefits the community by bringing people together. I think if people are vaccinated or wear their masks then we will be fine during this pandemic.”
Lauren Baker, the executive director at 621 Gallery, shed light on some of the goals for this First Friday.
“I think that the goal is always to show Tallahassee some amazing artwork. We are hoping to show people things they have never seen before and question their ideas surrounding art. I think it’s exciting to see us come back together in person after the pandemic. It’s nice to have all of the students back in the community and they are a part of the population that we serve,” she said.
The annual membership exhibition is on display at 621 this month. Attendees are all welcome to become members and contribute to the gallery.
“Our current exhibition is our membership show that comprises all of the people who are members of the gallery and all of them are local artists,” Baker said. “By being members they were eligible to submit three pieces of artwork and guaranteed to have one in the exhibition. There are about 60 or 70 artists in the show right now and close to 150 works being shown.”
In addition to highlighting the artwork from local artists at First Friday, 621 Gallery also highlights local musicians by providing a space to show off their talents. This First Friday event featured Sage, a local jazz pianist who played at the event.
First Friday takes place every first Friday of the month at 621 Gallery and other spaces in Railroad Square. Updates about 621 Gallery and future events can be found on Instagram @621_gallery