First Fridays celebrates cemeteries, pottery, and a beloved local arts supporter

Susan May Romano is being celebrated at The ArtBar’s lounge show this month at First Fridays in Downtown Aurora. We love her so. Photo by Jason Arthur. 

First Fridays welcomes fall with cemeteries, ceramics, and celebrations.

Waubonsee Community College opens “Students Ceramic Exhibit,” an exhibition of ceramics by students in the Waubonsee Community College Ceramics Club, at the Aurora Downtown campus library location, 18 S. River St. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Going in Style – The Art of Cemeteries,” a photo exhibit of curious, quaint, and quirky tombstones from the Midwest is up from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santori Public Library, 101 S. River St. The exhibit highlights photos by Robb Winder and Randy Benzie.

Step into the Lounge Bar at Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, for “Susan May Romano: A Celebration,” a special show hosted by The ArtBar that applauds a local, living treasure after her recent battle with breast cancer. The show features art by Lisa Green, Lulu Gloria, Jen Evans, Kimberly Fredricks, Jason DeLancey, Chris Evans, Mike Mancuso, Don Picton, Jason Arthur, Chris Hodge, and more.

“The Dread Show” is the monthly theme at The ArtBar, a pop up art gallery from 6 p.m. to midnight in the Two Brothers Cafe.

Art openings, live music, and more are featured at First Fridays on Oct. 6 at several locations throughout downtown including:

If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Ave., opens a solo show with Geo Alderson. 7 to 11 p.m.

The Web, 134 W. Downer Pl., hosts “Black and White,” a show with work by Noah Gabriel and Chris Hodge. 6 p.m. until close

Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd., celebrates the one-year anniversary of Respect the Mic spoken word. 8:45 to 10:30 p.m.

Gallery 1904, 1 E. Benton St., features “Three Artists in One Space,” with Bill Austin, Joe Gagnepain, and Michael William Foster. DJ Marco will be spinning music. Shop at handmade artisan pop-up shops. 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Repertoire Reservoir Studios, 14 W. Downer Pl. upstairs, is open with “Actions Speak Louder than Words.” 7 to 10 p.m.

Indie Studio Space, 105 E. Galena Blvd., hosts “Member Showcase: Rod and Michele Kelly, and Franklin Rivera.” 5 to 8 p.m.  

David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl., is open with a “Back to School” mini photo exhibit; WWI exhibit continues. 6 to 9 p.m.

River’s Edge Cafe, 14 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 18, hosts Chasing Rain with Special Guest: White Chocolate. Ceramic artists including Amy Song will be displaying and selling pottery. 6 to 9 p.m.

Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, continues hosting a handful of area artisans at its monthly Pop Up Shops. 6 to 9 p.m.

Gillerson’s Grubbery, 33 W. New York St., celebrates its second anniversary with an acoustic show featuring Brad Hides from Alt 101. KC’s Kandles and Garlic Breath Garlic set up shop. 6 p.m.

Family Counseling Service, 70 S. River St., invites First Fridays patrons to “Leaf Your Stress Behind” with massage therapy, art therapy, relaxing prizes to win, Cassie the Therapy Dog, yoga, tasty fall treats, and more. 6 to 9 p.m.

Stop by the GAR Museum, 23 E. Downer Pl., and visit the Museum Shop across the street at 20 E. Downer Pl. 6 to 9 p.m.

SciTech Hands On Museum is open with “Chemistry of Light” demos and more from 6 to 8 p.m.

A number of downtown businesses are also open with offerings. Zen Loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Pl., is open from 6 to 9 p.m. with $5 mini classes, massage, meditation, and more.

The Light of the Heart hosts its annual fundraiser “Art Jam” at Millennium Plaza, 21 S. Stolp Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m.

First Fridays maps are available at all venues. Free trolley rides run from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.auroradowntown.org.