During First Night Bradford’s inception on New Year’s Eve of 1998-99, Roger Peters was busy setting up the event’s art show at Old City Hall on Kennedy Street.
Peters, who has served as curator of the First Night art show ever since, announced this year’s artwork will be displayed at 30 Main St., which is a new location. Peters, who is also a curator for the newly formed McKean County Arts Council, said the art show will be held in collaboration with the arts council.
First Night, which is a New Year’s Eve celebration held throughout the country, promotes family-friendly activities and entertainment. The celebration has been held locally for most of the past 19 years, but had to be canceled last year in Bradford due to lack of funds. Megan Simms, of the First Night Bradford committee, said activities for this year’s overall celebration will be announced in upcoming days.
As for the art show’s new venue, Peters said the facility will offer more space for the display. Live music is expected to be played at the venue during the art show.
“The building belongs to Northwest (bank), and is a very nice, large open space that they’re letting us use,” Peters said. “The location (next to the Grocery Stretcher) is near Veterans Square, and a lot of things have happened at the Square” during First Night, including fireworks.
Peters said he and other organizers of the show are currently seeking artists to display their artwork for the show.
“We probably won’t set up until the Friday or Saturday before New Year’s,” Peters continued.
“We’re always looking for new artists and young artists. I always like to promote hand-eye coordination, so crafts are very important.”
Peters said artisans who have woodwork, sculptures or pottery would be very much appreciated for the event.
“Pottery is seldom exhibited, but always welcome,” he stated. Other art forms accepted include photography, jewelry and paintings and sketches framed or unframed, to name a few.
“People always like the show and are glad to see new art,” Peters remarked. “They’re always amazed with the quality we do exhibit.”
In looking back at his years as curator of the art show, Peters said the first venue for the show in Old City Hall on Kennedy Street was interesting as the facility had been recently renovated at the time.
“There weren’t the offices in Old City Hall that are there today,” he recalled.
That venue was followed by First Night art shows in Hill Memorial Church and in later years at the Church of the Ascension, he added.
Peters said artwork for the show can be dropped off from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 26, 27 and 28 at 30 Main St. The artwork, which should contain the artist’s name and contact information, will be recorded on an inventory sheet. The artwork is expected to be picked up Jan. 2 at the venue.
On a related note, Peters said the McKean County Arts Council, which is promoting arts throughout the county, is hopeful that artisans who participate in the First Night art show will make connections with the new organization.
Peters noted the arts council is currently seeking a permanent location in Bradford, with the Old Post Office on East Corydon Street under consideration.
For more information on the art show, contact Peters at 368-3255.
