GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS... have a rather consistent way of staying open throughout the year, even if it is sleeting outside, or very damp, or exceedingly snowy. That's because, as a rule, galleries and museums tend to be interior experiences, in climate-controlled spaces, meaning that no calendar needs to advise the curator on when to stage what show. But an artwalk is a different sort of thing, and an evening artwalk can be even more distinct. The stroll-about-outdoors, peeking-in-shops-and-stores events often dovetail with the start of warmer days, which, 'round California, generally means April and May. That's when villages and towns across the Golden State begin to schedule their First Friday Artwalks, those come-together community to-dos that draw in visitors, too, with a mix of live music, artists out creating art before your eyes, and easy-to-purchase vittles (especially vittles that can be eaten while one is strolling/looking). And one of the state's most charming cities,
NEVADA CITY, is kicking off its 2017 First Friday Artwalk on Friday, May 5, "... a celebration of Nevada City's diverse mix of galleries, artisan boutiques, retail shops, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, as well as our wonderfully artistic and creative community." The artwalking happens around the historical downtown, a draw for visitors to the Gold Country gem, so you can take in the architecture, and local bygone stories, while you take in the tasting rooms and boutiques. Adding flavor are "live music and theatrical performances," which makes total sense, as Nevada City is home to the Nevada Theatre, "the oldest existing theatre building on the west coast." Go, soak it all in, but make sure you're there on a first Friday of the month in the next few months: The fun wraps for 2017 on Aug. 4.
