Ashland Fourth Fridays amplify artists

Contributed Report

Downtown Ashland has enjoys a vibrant community of artisans–-jewelers, painters, designers, entertainers, chefs, farmers, musicians, and more. May 26 through September 22, Ashland Fourth Fridays events will celebrate local artisans with sidewalk sales, art exhibi ts, live music, and outdoor dining. Now in its fourth season, some local artists could hardly wait to return to the Center of the Universe for the monthly celebrations.

“People in Ashland are just wonderful. I met people of all ages and backgrounds,” painter Lizzie Brown recalls from Ashland Fourth Friday’s past. “It made me realize that my work is approachable and accessible for everyone. I’m looking forward to coming back to Ashland Fourth Fridays to meet and connect with more people.”

Connection with community and craft is a goal of Ashland Fourth Friday vendor Matt Windham of Ares Creations and Reclaim too. By repurposing salvaged wood, Matt gives forgotten materials new life using ancient techniques. “Our ancestors handcrafted everything. They didn’t use screws or nails, so it drove me to save what was left behind and make something people would appreciate,” Matt describes. “What excites me the most is when someone says, ‘Wow! I’ve never seen anything like that.’”

Ashland Fourth Fridays guests can discover original art of many genres–from crochet toys, to stained glass, to custom fashions. But that is not all, they can also shake a leg to live music at the freshly constructed Ashland Town Hall Pavilion or dig into delectable dining.

Food truck favorites like Monique’s Crepes and Cheesaggedon are slated to join Ashland Fourth Fridays during the season, as well as new mouthwater- ing temptations like authentic Greek food by Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe and Native American-owned food truck Hungry Hungry Arrow. Downtown Ash- land boasts many outdoor dining options, so visitors can enjoy the fun from their seats.

“Ashland is a charming and unique place to visit, and Ash- land Fourth Fridays are a great reminder that there is always something new to see here,” said Kitty Barnes, Ashland Fourth Fridays organizer and Chief Operating Officer of Red Vein Escape. “In addition to the artists and musicians who bring their talents to the streets, shops and restaurants get a chance to highlight some of their own creations with extended hours, dinner and drink specials, and lots of fun in-shop.”

Creatives who are interested in displaying their craft at Ashland Fourth Fridays are encour- aged to submit an application. Downtown Ashland Association accepts applications through August.

“The fellow Ashland Fourth Fridays vendors are so helpful and easy going,” says Lizzie. “It’s really fun and lots of people come out.”

Mark your calendar and gather your friends at Ashland Fourth Fridays in Downtown Ashland, Virginia! Visit ashlandfourthfridays.com for event info.

Information submitted by Lou Keeton, Marketing Director, Downtown Ashland Association

Upcoming Programs At Mechanicsville Libraries

Atlee Branch Library

Call 804-559-0654 or visit the library at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive for more information. Mother Goose Storytime at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, May 31, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Mother Goose is a Storytime for children age 6 to 24 months and their caregivers. We have fun with nursery rhymes, singing and reading.

Toddler Storytime at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, May 31 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a Storytime of books, music and fun for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers.

Atlee Bridge Group at the Atlee Branch Library. Tuesdays, May 23, & 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Every Tuesday the Atlee Bridge Group meets to play Social Rubber Bridge. All levels welcome, from beginner to expert.

Fun & Games at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesdays, May 17, 1 to 4 p.m. Ages 18 & up. Meet up with friends and have a great time with card and board games.

Genealogy: Discover Your Roots at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, May 10, 7 to8:30 p.m.Learn how to start researching your family tree using library resources, including the

Ancestry Database. Proficiency using a computer mouse, keyboard, and internet required. Registration required at https://pamunkeylibrary. libcal.com/event/9745067.

Hula Dancing Class at the Atlee Branch Library. Wednesday, May 17, 10:30 a.m. to noon for Ages 18 & up. Join us to exercise your brain and body as you learn about hula dancing and culture at the Atlee Branch Library.

Page Turners Book Club at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, May 18, 3:30 to4:30 p.m. Ages 18 & up.

Join us for an in-person, lively book discussion! We will be reading “The High Tide Club” by Mary Kay Andrews. You can place the book on hold and pick it up at the Atlee Branch Library. New members always welcome!

Atlee Anime Club at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, May 18, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Join the Atlee Library Anime Club! Meet teens with similar interests and watch cool shows.

Paint Night and Mocktails at the Atlee Branch Library. Thursday, May 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for a fun night of painting and drinks. Create a work of art while sampling and voting on different mocktail recipes.

Pride And Professionals Successful Event

Hanover County residents were out and proud at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center in Ashland Thursday evening, showing up to support a local event promoting inclusivity in the community. Pride and Professionals was a panel-style Question and Answer forum that invited the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, and anyone curious to attend with questions for a panel of credentialed panelists. Created to combat misinformation, the panel offered a safe space for questions, experiences, and community feedback from those in the Hanover community. Drawing six organizations, and forty-five attendees, the event was successful, with many leaving the event feeling that they were heard, and had support in the community.

Upcoming Programs At Hanover Libraries

RICHARD S. GILLIS, JR./ ASHLAND BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday, May 26,

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Looking for experienced players to play with?

Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game at the Ashland Library!

Ashland Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library. Friday,

May 19, 10 to 11 a.m. Read our book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it. Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

Reptile Round-up at the Ashland Branch Library. Saturday,

May 20, 2 to 4 p.m. Teens! Join us at the library to meet some scaled friends or face your fears! Serpentes Reptiles Serpentarium will bring snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Animals will be available for holding/handling.