BRYAN, October. 7, 2022 – On the first Friday of every month Destination Bryan hosts a night of family-friendly fun along the streets of Historic Downtown Bryan. This event offers opportunities for local artists to showcase their skills and expand their businesses across the Brazos Valley. Local artist, Bethany Ralston, shared her experience as a vendor at Bryan’s First Friday event:
“Being a part of First Friday has been a great way to get exposure and meet new people that I wouldn’t typically have the chance to meet at traditional selling events. The best thing about First Friday would definitely have to be the large crowds this event brings in every month and the support from those within the community.”
Ralston is one of many local artists and performers who is featured at this month’s First Friday, held on October 7, 2022. Ralston’s art includes her original paintings, hand-mixed soy vegan candles, jewelry, and prints. She has been a returning vendor at First Friday since August of 2021, after becoming fully self-employed through her art business in 2020.
“First Friday means a lot within the community due to the chance it gives small businesses and artists to showcase and highlight crafts they’ve worked so hard to achieve,” Ralston said. “The sense of unity this event brings, as well as the exploration of diversity and celebration of tradition is important to help us continue to grow as individuals and a community.”
First Friday encourages new and existing artists to apply to showcase their work at the monthly event. Ralston shared her advice for those interested in starting their small business or joining as a vendor, “just go for it! The world needs more creativity so expand your horizons, turn that hobby into a business, and bet on yourself! You’d be surprised what you can do if you just take the leap.” Applications for artists to set up a booth at First Friday can be found on the Destination Bryan website or directly at https://www.art979.com/.
Students and families are encouraged to attend upcoming First Friday events to enjoy a night out and support local business owners, like Ralston. The next First Friday will be held on November 4th, from 5:00 to 11:00 pm.
Information on Ralston’s art can be found on her social media @JunkDrawerbyBeth and on Etsy as “Junk Drawer by Beth”.