First Thursday

Artists and galleries began taking advantage of the inexpensive rents on enormous Victorian-style storefronts in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, Pioneer Square, in the 1960s. Since then, Pioneer Square has firmly ensconced itself as Seattle’s “art row.” 

Rain or shine, galleries and private studios fling open their doors to welcome visitors to First Thursday, the nation’s first art walk, held on—well, you guessed it—the first Thursday of each month.

From noon to 8PM, art collectors, students, the intelligencia and looky-loos weave their way around the neighborhood, checking out new exhibits, installations and demonstrations, snacking on the free wine and cheese offered by some of the larger galleries and perusing the offerings of local artisans and crafters, who tent and table along the way.

First Thursday is free and the venues—as well as the art—changes each month. There’s occasionally live music or performance events that happen in conjunction with First Thursday happenings, and there’s always impromptu buskers livening the way. Although the walk starts officially at noon, things don’t really liven up until the early evening. If you aren’t a crowd-lover, the afternoons are pleasant and have enough color to keep you entertained.

HelloSeattle Tip: To experience the artsy glamour and spot local art celebrities—if that’s your thing—after dusk is the best time. A quick trip to the First Thursday website will get you a map of the month’s stops, but do as most locals do: whatever time of day: strap on comfortable shoes and start at the far end of Pioneer Square, at about First Avenue South and South King Street, to meander your way north, stopping at open doors and banner signs.   

- by Caren Gussoff Sumption, Seattle Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Caren Gussoff Sumption

Caren Gussoff Sumption is a freelance writer and editor from Seattle, WA. She's written for USA Today, the Seattle Times/NW Source, MSN and AOL, and her fiction has been published worldwide. She received her MFA in writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.