‘First Friday’ art strolls prove to be difference-maker for Ogden artists, performers
Jan 4, 2025, 1:08 PM | Updated: 1:15 pm
OGDEN — The new year began with renewed hope for the arts community in Ogden as the first, First Friday Art Stroll of 2025 brought crowds to engage with local artists and take in some live music.
Visitors to The Monarch at 455 25th Street were entertained by bluesy and grungy sounds Friday evening as they strolled through several open art studios in the historic building, which has been repurposed into a multi-use facility featuring artists, stylists and an event center.
Reide Thompson, executive director of the Ogden Downtown Alliance, said downtown local businesses regularly feature the work of upwards of 30 artists during the Art Stroll, which recently has seen significant growth in popularity.
“A lot of local businesses stay open late, until 9:00 p.m., to host a local artist or art exhibit,” Thompson said.
As a result, Thompson said the events have proven pivotal in helping local artists and performers to thrive.
“I’ve heard from a lot of artists that First Friday is the time of the month when they bring in the most income, they bring in the most revenue,” Thompson said. “I think it’s a really good opportunity for local musicians as well as visual artists to find connections to the community and to really reach their audience.”
Some of the artists themselves echoed the enthusiasm about the event, including Susan Snyder, a watercolorist and co-owner of Sage Art Utah.
“I think it’s important that people get to see all different kinds of art, I think it’s good for them to get exposed,” Snyder said. “I think it’s important for young people to see that you can try to do this.”
In addition to The Monarch, participating locations Friday included Union Station as well as other sites along Historic 25th Street and around downtown Ogden.
The Community Art Show featured an exhibit honoring Union Station’s 100-year celebration, organizers said.
At Ogden Contemporary Arts, administrative assistant Marintha Larsen said she had come to appreciate the energy of a community coming together to support the arts.
“I feel like it’s so important for people who are in the community to just be able to come to a fun event and experience some art, live music and just experience being in a physical space with a whole bunch of other people who enjoy a lot of similar things,” Larsen said.
