First Friday shows highlight unusual media

For October’s First Friday openings, artists show works in traditional media like oils and watercolors. See media a bit out of the ordinary at other exhibits featuring metal jewelry and unusual beach stones. At Bunnell Street Arts Center, visiting Seattle-based artist Micki Lippe kicks off her residency with a display of her jewelry inspired by shapes in nature. At the Homer Council on the Arts, Donna Ridener exhibits her spirit rocks. Ridener draws with pen and ink scenes and images she sees in collected rocks that call to her as she walks Kachemak Bay beaches.

This month’s exhibits also include several multiple-artist shows. At Picture Alaska is an invitational show of artists who took watercolor workshops this summer. For its annual Ritz gala fundraiser, the Pratt Museum shows work by artists who have donated pieces for a live and silent auction.

Bunnell Street Arts Center

106 W. Bunnell Ave.

Artist in residence show by Micki Lippe 5-7 p.m., First Friday Opening Reception; 6 p.m., artists talk

Seattle-based jeweler Micki Lippe works on site at Bunnell in October as its artist in residence. Lippe’s one-of-a-kind and production necklaces and earrings have been shown at galleries and museums across the United States. She also leads “Explore and Expand,” a two-day design workshop from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 13 and 14. The workshop addresses design through a series of creative exercises involving paper, metal and found objects. “You’ll learn how to confidently resolve your ‘I’ve been thinking about this but I’m not sure where to go’ moments, and leave with an increased ability to design the jewelry you want to make,” she said. Lippe will discuss techniques such as riveting, various cold connections, fabrication, texturing, chasing, reposse, casting, roll printing, electroforming, wax carving and stone setting.

Fireweed Gallery

475 E. Pioneer Ave.

Alaska Watercolor Paintings by Caren Graupe

5-8 p.m., First Friday Reception

Homer artist Caren Graupe said she strives to communicate what she sees: the beauty of land and sea, the unpredictability of water and Alaska’s natural environment through the seasons.

Homer Council on the Arts

344 W. Pioneer Ave.

Talent Through Time, painted stones and paintings by Donna Ridener

5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

Abstract Expression from a Bass Universe, gallery concert with Milo Matthews and Justice Sky 7:30 p.m., First Friday Reception; admission $5 youth, $10 HCOA members, $15 general

Homer artist Donna Ridener has been sketching and painting since growing up in Dillon, Mont. Ridener moved to Homer in 2008. “I began to pick up rocks that called to me as I walked the beaches of Kachemak Bay,” she writes. “As I played with them and began to notice pictures and scenes in the rocks, with pen and ink I began to draw the scenes I saw there. … Each rock held its own secrets and I call them spirit rocks. I believe they helped to heal me after I recovered from a serious dance with cancer.” Following artist Donna Ridener’s show, electric bass master Milo Matthews performs with special guest Justice Sky.

Picture Alaska

448 E. Pioneer Ave.

Workshop Fever, paintings by various artists

5-7:30 p.m., First Friday Reception

Picture Alaska art gallery holds an invitational show, “Workshop Fever,” featuring paintings by participants in two separate watercolor workshops held last month and taught by Barbara Nechis and Eric Wiegardt. Nechis and Weigardt also show their work.

Ptarmigan Arts Back Room Gallery

471 E. Pioneer Ave.

Whimsical Paintings and Pots, paintings by Edward Hutchinson and ceramics by Isolde Gibson

5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

Anchorage artist Edward Hutchinson shows his oil and acrylic paintings and Isolde Gibson shows her ceramic art.

“Ed infuses whimsy in his paintings slyly with a tweak or twist to turn a painting around and insert something quirky into our lives,” the gallery writes.

Pratt Museum

3779 Bartlett Street

Ritz Art Show, by various artists

5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

The Pratt shows work by various artists to be auctioned at its annual Ritz fundraiser.

The Upper Room

158 West Pioneer Ave.

Grand opening 5-7 p.m., First Friday Reception

New business The Upper Room holds a First Friday reception with music by Shawn Zuke and Firelight. Meet massage therapist Pamela Zoster and aromatherapist and reiki master Myriah Thomas. The Upper Room offers services and supplies for body, mind and spirit energy healing.