Main Attraction: Lubbock’s art trail sees growth

LHUCA building, 511 Ave. K, where the First Friday Art Trail is hosted the first Friday of every month. (Photo by: Kalli Gardenhire)

Jordan Canal, programmer for Lubbock’s First Friday Art Trail, said she originally thought she was going to be a history professor, but her love for art changed her mind.

Content with her decision to pursue her passion for art, Canal assists in preparation for the monthly art event.

According to the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) official website, the First Friday Art Trail is a free, self-guided art event hosted on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m.

Canal said the selection of artists, allows guests to take in different styles of art.

“It’s a good sampling of everything Lubbock has to offer,” Canal said, “because not only are you getting to see the venues, but you’re also seeing different organizations.”

Growing up in South Florida, Canal said she was unsure about leaving Florida’s art scene and moving to West Texas until she came across LHUCA.

“Lubbock is great,” Canal said. “The art and culture in the Depot District has a lot to offer.”

Artistic display near LHUCA at 511 Ave. K. (Photo by: Kalli Gardenhire)

Canal also said Texas Tech University’s art program is rapidly growing with talent, and the First Friday Art Trail is no exception as it is filled with art students and their professors.

“When students from Texas Tech are in town we see huge increases in crowds at the Art Trail,” Canal said, “but then when they leave it decreases a little.”

Madison Schreiber, a junior at Texas Tech, said she frequently attends the event and has also seen growth in attendance.

“I think the art and culture scene will grow in the next couple years,” Schreiber said. “There were tons of people at the last Art Trail, and I only image it growing.”

Schreiber said her favorite part of the event is the variety of art every month because the artists are always constantly changing, bringing a unique theme every first Friday.

Mckaylee Weishuhn, a senior at Texas Tech, has never been to the First Friday Art Trail saying the only thing stopping her is her lack of knowledge in regard to art.

“I feel like I’m missing out by not going,” Weishuhn said, “but I just don’t know anything about art.”

While the event is art-focused, Canal said there is something for everyone as it is about building a community while enjoying food, music and company.

“We feature different bands and community organizations each month,” Canal said. “Every venue has something different going on.”

Beside sporting events, Canal said the event is the biggest monthly happening in the area.

And although she has lived in Lubbock for a year, she said she has seen attendance to First Friday Art Trail increase over time.

“The future of the Lubbock art scene has a lot in store,” Canal said. “We are constantly thinking of what we can do for the community.”

(Photo by: Kalli Gardenhire)

To learn more about the event, visit http://ffat.org/.

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