Texan Mosaic

Story by Tye Ward/COMM 2311.001 & Photos by Isaiah Deleon COMM 1316

The first Friday of every month brings together a special kind of community, one that is inspired by local food, art, and anything made by hand.

Twenty years ago, 13 people at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts provided a free art gallery to the public. Over the years, this event grew and gained popularity, bringing in vendors and even live bands. It has since become a way for people to engage with art and connect with others.

The owner of Secret Vintage has been setting up the First Friday Art Trail for the past two years. She said it has attracted new customers and increased her profits, while expanding her business to a larger market.

“Yes, it has been beneficial to my business because it has helped me meet new customers and vendors that sell vintage clothes,” said Alegria, owner of Secret Vintage

Alegria says the First Friday Art Trail is a great way to boost business and meet new customers.

“Also, I’m able to make revenue quickly. For example, I’m able to make $1,200 to $1,400 in five hours. And yes, I have repeat customers due to people consistently going to the art trail.” Alegria said. 

The art trail has brought exposure not only to Secret Vintage, but also many others. Sarah Alegria, the owner of Secret Vintage recommends that other vendors bring their products to the art trail.

“It helps small businesses get exposure and experience, for me, it’s helped when I was first starting and so I recommend it to all new venture sellers,” Alegria said.

The First Friday Art Trail has also supported locally owned businesses and has helped vendors gain a market of costumers who look forward to seeing them every first Friday of the month.

The FFAT is going on its 20 years of being an organization, and it has gained exposure by being an eye-opener for businesses by teaming up with other vendors in the area.

“I think just throughout the years. It’s just something that people have heard about. A lot of different organizations that we’ve kind of talked to were lucky enough to be able to partner with different museums around Texas and kind of network with them. And so, it’s something that they’ve always heard of.” Sharae Villanueva, Events and Marketing Coordinator said.

The FFAT has a variety of attendees, it’s for people all around and the FFAT brings a familiar feeling, allowing the people who go to feel welcomed.

“Then of course, you know being in the same city as Tech and you know the other surrounding colleges is a big attraction for students and faculty that are from out of town to see something new or something that maybe is in their town and it kind of feels like a piece of home for them,” Villanueva said.

A recent decision by the Lubbock City Council cut funding ties between the city and the organization that puts on the FFAT, shining a light on the future of FFAT.

“It funded a lot of different offerings that we have for First Friday Art Trail. It helped with our marketing. It also helped pay for bands and artists to play on our stage, and then also art that’s in the galleries,” Villanueva said. “So, First Friday Art Trail isn’t going anywhere. You know, In the future it may look different, but we’ve had a huge, huge support from the community and how much they love the program.

“So, you know, we are going to try to restructure going forward, but it definitely isn’t going anywhere,” Villanueva said. The First Friday Art Trail is an organization that brings people together, and allows them to meet new people, see new products, eat food from different vendors, and have a great time on every first Friday of the month.