First Fridays – The Annual National Juried Art Exhibition

Welcome to First Friday at the Galleries
Celebrate the 2026 National Juried Art Exhibition
Join us on April 3, 5–8 PM for a night of creativity, reflection, and the power of artistic expression. This year’s juried exhibition features 39 artists from 13 states, showcasing works in a variety of media. The evening is an opportunity to explore contemporary art, meet the artists, and engage with thought-provoking work.

About the Exhibition

The 2026 National Juried Art Exhibition, curated by Heath Ballowe, highlights the technical skill, creativity, and unique voices of contemporary artists. Visitors can experience a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and more, each work offering a fresh perspective and insight into the power of artistic expression.

Juror Bio:

Heath Ballowe earned an MA in Decorative Art, Design History, and Material Culture from the Bard Graduate Center (2022), an MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design (2010), a collegiate teaching certification from Brown University (2009), and a BFA from Virginia Tech (2006). He has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and Moore College of Art and Design and has managed private and public art collections, including The Clay Studio cataloging project supported by The Luce Foundation for American Art.

Awards Ceremony

At 6:00 PM, join us as Heath Ballowe recognizes outstanding works from this year’s exhibition. Celebrate the achievements of talented artists from across the country and enjoy this special moment of recognition.

Event Details

The exhibition runs from 5–8 PM on April 3, with the Awards Ceremony at 6:00 PM. Catering will be provided by Market at Main, adding a welcoming touch to the evening’s festivities. The gallery is the perfect setting to meet the artists, enjoy curated works, and experience the inspiration of contemporary art.