Earlier this month DF and I had an evening out. It was a classy affair, with wine, freshly grilled meats, beautiful things to see, and interesting conversations with friends and total strangers.
It was completely free, and we can do it every month if we like. Specifically, on the first Friday of every month. That’s when a handful of artsy places in Anchorage (including two universities) have public receptions for new exhibits.
This is an increasingly common practice in U.S. towns and cities. Whether it’s called “First Friday” or “Artwalk” or whatever, it’s a chance to enjoy works new and old – and, often, to get free food.
This has long been a frugal hack for starving students and also for those dating on a budget: something to eat plus a chance to look all cultured-like. But it works just as well when you’re out of school, and also when you’re happily partnered or just want an outing with friends. Who doesn’t want free food and wine?
Years ago I was a news clerk at The Philadelphia Inquirer, often putting together listings for the “Weekend” section. At one point a handful of downtown galleries requested we stop including the phrase “wine and cheese reception.” Seems that homeless people were getting the Friday paper and moving from gallery to gallery to feed themselves.
I can’t remember whether the editor agreed, but I do remember admiring the homeless folks’ initiative. At that time I was a single mom living pretty close to the bone; I would have gone to these receptions myself if I’d had anybody to watch the baby.
What kind of wine?
DF and I dipped into three galleries in all, enjoying everything from hammered metal jewelry to portraits to modern minimalism. When I say “freshly grilled meats” I am referring to several types of sausages, but they were meats and they were grilled (on a Weber just outside the gallery).
These weren’t generic wieners, either, but rather fancy gourmet sausages. Served on a fresh pretzel bun with a grainy specialty mustard they made a perfectly fine light supper, especially since I also enjoyed a few slivers of cheese, some crudités and a cookie. I love it when other people cook for me.
The receptions have become major social events in Anchorage. At the last two I attended I ran into people who didn’t know I was back in town. That’s been fun, but I also do enjoy looking at the art. I’m easily distracted by bright shiny objects and I also get ideas for future presents – not that I’m buying $6,000 paintings, mind you, but these galleries do have affordable gift items as well as major works.
These gatherings may have wine, depending on the laws in your town. Make sure you take a designated driver so you can tank up on whatever plonk they’re pouring. One time a gallery owner I know was setting out cups of vino when a customer approached.
“What kind of wine is that, anyway?” the man asked haughtily.
“It’s free wine,” the gallery owner replied.
Please: Don’t be that guy if you decide to attend First Friday/Artwalk/whatever. Free food is, by definition, good food – and if you don’t like the free wine, don’t drink it.
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I had to laugh! I just went to BJ’s yesterday (yes, I DID need to be there) and had a delightful lunch, sampling all the goodies and also enjoyed chatting to the food demonstrators. No wine, of course, but it WAS only noon…
Sounds like fun! I think we have Artwalks here, though maybe a couple of times a year rather than monthly. I’ll have to look into that.
When we can, my husband and I attend the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly “Business After Hours” events. There is a charge – $5 a head – but there is generally free beer and wine, and food that can range from light snacks to a full-on meal provided by a local restaurant or caterer. Also, there are door prizes. Makes for a nice cheap date, and it’s a good chance to see other friends within the business community.
The Chamber also hosts ribbon cuttings, smaller afternoon events showcasing one business or another. Also lots of fun, if you can get away during the business day. And those are free!
What a cool event! Like you, I have been amazed at the ingenuity of some of the homeless population. Years ago in another life I be-friended Mr. Johnson who was a homeless guy who hung out right in front of The Baltimore Sun on Calvert Street. Had many an interesting conversation with this gentleman who would share his knowledge of “special events” that offered free food and entertainment. This guy managed to get a pretty secure cart to put his stuff on and in winter would move it around the corner to a steam grate. It was cold outside but he was “toasty” inside a box on his cart. Aaaand I share your angst for the “what kind of wine is it guy”….sheeeez…
I work at a non-profit art gallery and we have similar events. Our community calls it Gallery Stroll and it’s on the third Friday of the month. We also have exhibition openings on other Friday nights. The food we serve at those is even better because the artists are inviting their friends.
I love having people attend our events! And since more galleries are open and compete with what we do, if I have money in the budget, I hire a musician or two to add to the ambience. And I also have the artists give short gallery talks about their work.
Get on the mailing lists/facebook pages of the galleries. We also have readings by authors, which are free and come with refreshments. Yo will end up with a great social and intellectual life!
Good advice. Thanks!
I run a non profit gallery and my husband runs a small artist collective and although we love this kind of event, we’ve had to stop offering anything but popcorn. My staff refers to them as “reception vultures”, homeless or just classless, they come early, stand by the food table and eat their fill, and let their children do the same without supervision, and then leave. All the food is gone in the first 30 minutes.
I get frugal and I have compassion for those who have food insecurities, but please! The food DOES come from somewhere and often times costs quite a bit and most funding sources and grants specifically prohibit you from including these costs in your budget. As a result, often times, the food comes out of my personal food budget.
Sounds like the people who go nuts at the Costco “buffet”:
http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=9bd235ea-6fe7-4486-89bf-30e6ce887e7d
Too bad a few clueless folks have to ruin it for others.
Elizabeth, ouch! Yes, there are a group of people we refer to as “locusts,” who come to the Business After Hours events, devour the food – my husband was hip-checked once at a buffet table – don’t talk to anyone outside their group except to complain about the seating or the food, and then talk over the speaker. I could understand, sort of, if they were in need, but my husband describes them as well-dressed and affluent in appearance.
The amount and variety of the finger food has gone down dramatically since these folks put the Chamber events on their circuit – the restaurants/caterers just can’t afford to have these folks make a meal – and then some! – out of what are supposed to be light appetizers or heavy snacks.
That’s why we can’t have nice things…. 😉
Once my department was having a going-away party for a co-worker. Someone from another section saw us sitting there waiting for the co-worker to show up. He walked in, lifted the aluminum foil off a pan, took some food and walked out, without saying a word.
Really?
Now that is really a REALLY???? Sigh.
Truth be told though, as frustrated as I am with the above situation, I would never stop doing the events themselves. I love them. New people to meet, artists to show off, music, SWANKY, as a former staff members would say. And my husband and I use them as frugal dates too, we just eat lightly, nurse a drink or two and have a lovely time supporting fellow artists.
The bigger picture: Local people are mingling and meeting and seeing what the artists in their communities are doing. Despite some non-classy behavior, it’s still a win for your town and its citizens.
My alma mater college does the same thing. Free Christmas concert with finger food, free plays where you can byof, and other free stuff like senior recitals and guest speakers. It’s so much fun!
I like free wine almost as much as I like free beer.
Great post! I will see what there is to do out here in the East.
I’ve been to a couple of these in the UK, although the ones I’ve attended have only served drinks and not food. Still, free wine is free wine and I had a truly enjoyable hour or so browsing some amazing art pieces, glass in hand!
My DH and I do this occasionally. It’s a nice evening out, the artist’s get recognition for their talents (how fun would an opening be with merely a handful of attendees?), and yes… there always are some affordable items to purchase if you’re so inclined. I like the greeting cards made from mass-printed copies of the artists’ work, but you might find a hand-blown glass wine stopper or whatever for less than $20. We did–once–buy a painting for the living room. Not $6k. LOL! But what would life be without an occasional treat or splurge? I don’t mind (at all) being frugal (now) 98% of the time, yet I reserve my right to the 2%. Otherwise, why did I work so hard to be debt free with money in the bank? And why would I continue in frugal habits if it were nothing but a never-ending drudge?
I look at it as supporting the arts. Specifically, supporting local artists.
As the daughter of two self-supporting artists, I thank you.