Five years ago, local artists had an idea — one that would welcome the Columbia community into their world of inspirational art and culture. This idea involved into a quarterly event, where people gathered downtown and in the North Village Arts District to celebrate the prosperity of Columbia’s art.
Friday marked another Artrageous Friday for Columbia’s artistic community. More than 30 local businesses opened their doors for the event, providing snacks and beverages to guests.
Select downtown restaurants were also featured in this Artrageous Friday. Many of the establishments have walls adorned with art from local artists, supporting Columbia’s art scene.
Owner of Perlow-Stevens Gallery Jennifer Perlow started Artrageous Friday with other local artists and organized the event for the first four years.
“We decided that we really needed an event for people to experience the art,” Perlow said.
Perlow said every Artrageous Friday is a little bit different. In her gallery, an artist drew sketches of live models to raffle off with the purchase of tickets.
“It’s not just a gallery opening and serving wine,” Perlow said. “Every Artrageous Friday is special.”
Jenny Schute, a worker at The Bead Gallery, said Columbia has done a really nice job promoting this particular Artrageous Friday with posters all around the downtown area.
“The cool thing about Artrageous Fridays is that it’s a constant rotation of what artists can come,” Schute said. “This is the first time they’ve incorporated performance artists into the event.”
Schute assisted owner Jessica Otterbacher with the event.
“I like Artrageous Fridays because it builds a sense of community within the artists’ community in Columbia,” Schute said. “We have courtesy for other artists and all try to support each other.”
In the basement of Artlandish Gallery, connecting to the North Village Arts Studios, many local artists set up booths and displayed their talents.
Local artist Rebekah Schulz said Artrageous Fridays get bigger and better every time. This is her second time being involved.
“I really like being a part of a vibrant artistic community,” Schulz said.
Schulz featured a collection of handmade purses and clutches made from something a little out of the ordinary.
“I make handbags out of old books,” Schulz said. “They are mostly from library book sales.”
Artrageous Fridays has become a well-known event for many Columbia residents.
“I just like that the community comes out and people look forward to the event,” Perlow said.
Perlow is very happy at how the event has prospered over the years and really opened Columbia residents’ eyes to art.
“The buzz is great and it’s all about art, so (Artrageous Friday) is definitely successful,” Perlow said. “People have a much better awareness of the art community now.”