Art Museum's First Fridays
Something new
By Coley Ward
CWARD@AZSTARNET.COM
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.03.2008
Young men and women come to Tucson. They attend college. And then they leave. Now one local group thinks it knows how to persuade them to stick around: Throw classy parties.
The Tucson Young Professionals has started First Fridays, a monthly series of art-inspired events held on the first Friday of each month at the Tucson Museum of Art. The December debut drew about 500 people.
"It's a chance to do something new," says Leah Taylor, the group's president, "to get dressed up. A fun date night."
Taylor, who moved to Tucson from Albuquerque to attend the University of Arizona and stuck around to work at Wells Fargo, says that First Fridays are meant to give people an opportunity to make friends, establish professional contacts or find romance.
"I really think that it is whatever you want to make of it," Taylor says.
Organizers hope to include live art each month.
The first event featured models decorated in body paint and artists who decorated partygoers with henna designs.
The theme of this Friday's party is "Fire and Ice." Taylor says there will be a DJ, ice sculptures, gourmet desserts and two bars.
"The ice bar will be made of ice and will serve frozen drinks," she said. "The fire bar will serve flaming drinks."
Carolyn Maloney, 31, owns Old Brazil import store, which has two locations in Tucson. She attended the December event as a way to meet new friends.
"I like to meet new, young people in Tucson," she said. "If I meet business contacts, that's great, too."
Tucson Young Professionals hold meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. In addition to throwing First Fridays parties, the group is working to get college-age Tucsonans more involved in the community.
Attire for First Fridays is dressy — for Tucson, anyway. Men are encouraged to wear a button-up shirt, slacks and closed-toe shoes. Tie and jacket are optional. Women are encouraged to wear dresses. And because much of the party will be on the museum's patio, Taylor suggests that guests wear a warm coat.
Maloney can't wait.
"I think women like any excuse to dress up," the import store owner says. "Probably the guys don't have as much fun with that. But they can appreciate the girls."
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