Bayshore is Bringing the Art

Since the 1980s, creatives in the Bayshore area have been curating an environment for art lovers, music connoisseurs, and epicures alike. The once underused two-lane passageway has evolved into a locale of scenic entertainment over the last several decades. Thus, the Bayshore Arts District, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), was fittingly born in 2023, initiating community-centered gatherings and events. 

The district’s latest project, The First Friday Art Walk, is to be held every first Friday of the month with March 1st, 2024, being the next occurrence. Each small business within the district has organized events all day and evening, including featured artists Josey Prior, Garry Wheeler, and Amanda Jaron and live music by Rob McManus. Jaron says, “One of the things I like best is that the community has come together to bring art to businesses that are not art businesses by day. They have also turned their showrooms/shops into an art gallery to showcase more local artists.”

Amanda Jaron, president of the First Friday initiative, created the organized arts community to showcase Bayshore’s “unique charm.” The mission statement is to “encourage growth and development within the Bayshore Arts District through creative placemaking.” The initiative fosters an environment of belonging and ownership among the residents and small businesses that inhabit the lively community. This signature event captures Amanda Jaron, Catherine Ehrenberger, and Kit Baker’s vision of a flourishing collective community. 

Following the considerable success of the First Friday initiative, the team is excited to announce the launch of Bohemia, a ticketed fundraiser hosted by the Bayshore Arts District. Taking place on Friday, April 5th, 2024, at the scenic Liberty House Gardens, Bohemia proposes an “immersive experience where attendees will be transported into a world of artistic splendor,” says Jaron. Bohemia stands for a domain occupied by creatives - artists, writers, and intellectuals - whose lifestyle may be considered unconventional or ahead of their time. 

Bohemia will provide “live performances and captivating installations,” seeking to go beyond established bounds into a world of imagination and inspiration. Every ticket purchased allows for entry to the otherworldly artistic event and supports the expansion of the Bayshore Arts District. 

To stay up to date with the Bayshore Art District’s vibrant events and vision, you can join their ten thousand-plus followers on Instagram and Facebook. 

Artists Participating in the First Friday Art Walk:

• Garry Wheeler

• Josey Prior

• Donna Haycock

• Catherine Ehrenberger

• Rob McManus

• Amanda Jaron

• Anna Franklin

• Mark J Hunt

Businesses Participating in the First Friday Art Walk:

• Things I Like by Catherine- art gallery

• A JARON Fine Jewelry- hosting live music

• GJ Gardner Homes- lobby turned art gallery

• The Humble Hut- café and gallery

• Fernweh Ice Cream- store turned art gallery

• Rebecca's- food special

• The Med- live artists on the terrace