‘Last Fridays’ latest addition to local art scene

by Molly Young
Vanguard Staff Writer

January 25, 2010 —

Lovers of fine arts, live music and poetry will have a new date to mark on their calendars beginning this weekend.

The inaugural Last Fridays event at the Court Street Gallery in Saginaw will be held 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 29.

Like Bay City’s First Thursdays and Saginaw’s First Fridays, Last Fridays will be a monthly cultural night where people can enjoy performances and readings as well as speak to artists.

But unlike First Fridays, which is held at the Magic Bean Café, Last Fridays is held in an independent art gallery owned by former SVSU students Paolo and Sarah Pedini.

Musician Jim Pagel and poets Skip Renker, Robert Fanning and Christi Griffis will take turns sharing their talents on the microphone.

“The other two readers are very talented,” said Griffis, a recent SVSU graduate. “I feel like they’re on a whole other level, which makes it nerve-wracking and exciting.”

Both Renker and Fanning have had their work published in various literary journals and have written and published their own books.

Renker resides in Midland and is a professor at Delta College, while Fanning is a creative writing professor at CMU.

As a student, Griffis was the editor-in-chief of Cardinal Sins, SVSU’s arts and literature magazine. She has performed her pieces at many poetry slams and gatherings such as First Fridays and said she looks forward to this event.

“I’m excited to read,” Griffis said.

“I’ve been so inspired by fellow members of the creative community, and I have plenty of new stuff to share.”

The Court Street Gallery is relatively new to the Saginaw art community, opening its doors just 7 months ago. It is located at 414 Court Street in Old Town Saginaw just above Adomatis Antiques, and it houses the artwork of many local artists. It is also used as a venue for artists to express their creativity and for aspiring artists to take classes.

Unlike First Fridays at The Magic Bean, Last Fridays will charge $3 at the door. But Paolo Pedini doesn’t think it will affect the number of attendees.

“A place like Magic Bean can have free events because they are hoping to sell more food and beverages at the event,” said Pedini.

“The Court Street Gallery is charging a door fee because we are paying for the space and providing an atmosphere. Also, the gallery is paying for advertising and promotion for the event, and the minimal door fee covers this.”

Griffis, for one, excitedly anticipates the event.

“The Court Street Gallery is a great venue, and I always look forward to attending,” she said.

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