Winslow’s First Friday

Winslow is home to a lot of creative people: artists, photographers, craftsmen, woodworkers, metal workers, musicians, and more. In 2018, Gemini Gallery owner Linda Card decided it was time to establish a monthly gathering to celebrate the creative arts. Winslow’s First Friday event in the Historic Entertainment District was born, a night of mingling, listening to music, interacting with a featured artist, and quite simply enjoying a Friday night out with friends.

First Fridays are held in many art communities as a way to showcase their artists. Galleries, bars, eateries all stay open late and host artists. I wanted each of my artists to have their own show. First Fridays seemed to be a great way to do that.
—Linda Card—Gemini Gallery

Winslow’s First Friday: May 2019

Since Linda is in process of moving her gallery, the event has been rotating to different spaces. In May, Dan and Ann-Mary Lutzik were kind enough to offer up their incredible Snowdrift Art Space for guitarist Ray Tutaj Jr. and featured artist Shaun Beyale. Neither are Winslow natives—Ray from Illinois and Shaun from New Mexico—but both found Winslow to be the perfect place to explore their creativity.

I like the slower-paced living of Winslow compared to where I came from. I like to take it easy in Winslow.
Ray Tutaj Jr.

Featured Artist

Shaun Beyale—a graduate of Studio Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe—showcased his Ayla: The Monster Slayer work, part of a post-apocolyptic comic set in the southwest. The story is based on the Navajo Hero Twins legends he grew up with—although in his version, the heroes are women. He wanted to highlight the strength and confidence of Navajo women and better reflect the matrilineal society—all in a contemporary setting.

Winslow’s First Friday Shaun Beyale Work

During Winslow’s First Friday in May, Beyale had the opportunity to talk about his work with locals and also some travelers, like this father and daughter on their way from Ohio to California where she’ll be attending art school.

Winslow’s First Friday Shaun Beyale and guests

Featured Musician

Illinois native Ray Tutaj Jr has been playing guitar since he was eleven years old, performing everything from Rock to Classical, although his preference is finger-style guitar.

During May’s First Friday, he filled the art space with his lovely smooth tunes.

I look forward to First Fridays because I am interested in the various artistic creations of local artists. They always inspire me, and I get to meet new people. Art and music come together at these events and create a wonderful combination. I am glad to have the opportunity to provide some of my finger picking sounds on the nylon string guitar to add to the artistic, and historic atmosphere.
Ray Tutaj Jr

Music isn’t Ray’s only passion in the arts, though.

I love guitar, songwriting, photography, painting, model trains, railroad model building, history, preservation and many forms of art and more.
From Ray Tutaj Jr Website

Want to listen to Ray play? You’ll have the chance to this Friday!

Winslow’s First Friday: June 2019

June’s first Friday is coming up on the 7th from 6pm-9pm and will be held at the Winslow Arts Trust Museum, once again featuring classical guitarist Ray Tutaj Jr, along with Artist Nate Nez. The event is free. Head to the Facebook event page for details and RSVP!