FORT BRAGG, 6/3/23 — The City of Fort Bragg launched the official start of summer during June’s First Friday celebration. Laurel and Franklin streets were closed for music and a cornhole tournament. If people playing in the parks and bragging on social media is any indication, cornhole and pickleball are now among Fort Bragg’s most popular sports. At June’s First Friday, players tossed beanbags from the steps of city hall into targets on the other side of the closed street. Around the corners, live music and dancing went on in the middle of East Laurel Street in the city-sponsored event.
The art galleries were all open. Art Explorers, featuring art from the developmentally delayed community, hosted a big party to celebrate its 23rd anniversary.Wine was provided by Husch Vineyards, and people partied to live music by Erin Brazill.
A new gallery on Franklin Street, featuring the work of Robert Spies, held a first peek opening on First Friday, with the actual opening set for July 7.
Northcoast Artists Gallery held a tribute show to Doug Browe, with member artist Satoko Barash. The June show, “Joy of Making,” continues through July 3.
A big crowd gathered to see the opening for Rebecca Reynolds, featured artist for Edgewater Gallery in June. Reynolds read a poem she wrote based on one of her new paintings.
Pacific Textile Arts Gallery, located adjacent to Otis Johnson Park, features an exhibit by Mari Yamaguchi, “Bast Fiber Textiles of Japan.” The ongoing exhibit celebrates the traditional plant sources of fiber used before the introduction of silk and cotton.
