The Jasper Artist’s Guild (JAG) is opening the doors of the Brushfire Gallery to the public on June 3, for a First Fridays event that will kick off the summer season and celebrate the 10th anniversary of JAG.

First Fridays is an idea that JAG member and local artist Melissa Woodcock brought back with her from Thailand. An artist friend of hers would host an event on the first Friday of the month, where the public was invited to come into the studio and try out a few techniques. The idea has since been adapted to the Jasper demographic. 

“This idea is new, but we’ve always had events to invite people into JAG,” Woodcock said.

The casual evening will allow the public to catch a glimpse inside the artist’s guild, and interact with local artists while trying out a few different mediums. 

Woodcock said it is a great opportunity for the artists to get their face out there, so that art lovers get to meet the faces behind the art hanging on their walls. 

“It’s important for the artists to be visible,” she said.

The evening will give people with or without an art background a non-intimidating atmosphere to get some information on the art scene in Jasper, and will also welcome new artists. 

JAG is often a hive of activity throughout the summer, and this year the gallery will be open to visitors as usual. The First Fridays interactive events will be held on the first Friday of every month throughout the summer. Woodcock hopes that the idea will encourage new residents or those in the area that have yet to join JAG to become members.

“We’re looking for new blood, new creativity,” she said. 

JAG is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and Woodcock said the milestone is a major accomplishment. 

“Most artist’s guilds don’t make it past the first few years,” she said. It’s an exciting time for JAG, with the prospect of a move to the new library space in the next few years. “It’s a bit of a milestone for JAG, that we’re moving forward instead of staying stagnant.”

The First Friday event will be held on June 3 at the Brushfire Gallery from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be local artists on hand to facilitate demonstrations. Woodcock said the event is family friendly. There will be refreshments and food, and live music from Rob Ferguson on the acoustic guitar and DJ Frazzle later in the evening.

The Brushfire Gallery had a soft opening on the May long weekend to start their ninth season in the old firehall building.