Last week, I had the opportunity to experience First Fridays in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood. It is a great event that draws in lots of crowds with yummy foods, drinks, music, great art installations, and funky little shops that stay open later to mingle with and celebrate the community. You may recall the Small Business Spotlight feature I did a few months back on Walrus, a store devoted to refurbishing and breathing new life into old, quality goods. Each month, Wendy (owner and refurbisher extraordinaire) is highlighting the talents and work of other local artists by displaying their work throughout the shop. I am incredibly honored to be this month's featured artist and was excited to be invited to the First Fridays event as a way of introducing myself to the community. My work will be on display during the month of July, so if you are in the Bay Area and want to stop by, please do so! You can find Walrus at 470G 49th Street in Oakland's Temescal Alley. Hours are Thursday - Saturday 11am to 5:30pm and Sunday 12 to 4pm.

The turnout for the event was fantastic, and I had a great time meeting new people. Most visitors to the shop participated in the raffle I was doing of a complimentary portrait session and print credit! I'm excited to photograph the winner of this great prize!

Here are a few photos from the reception last Friday. Sorry, iPhone only.