5 Points Mural sporting a great new face!

Shaun Thurston, local graffiti artist extraordinaire, has completed a rockin' revamp of the 5 Points mural at Lomax. The original mural, completed in the 1980s, had grown tired and sported multiple tags; local businesses and residents wanted to keep the the wall a place for public art, but also yearned for a fresh new face on this iconic corner.

Members of the new RAP180 group spearheaded the project, and RAP pulled together the funds to buy the supplies. Over the course of a couple of weeks, Shaun sketched out his vision, and then got to work. You have just GOT to see what this man can do with nine days and some tubes of spray paint--the artistry is incredible. Check it out, and let us know what you think.

Photo credit: Daniel Goncalves

7th Annual Riverside WineFest

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
6 to 9pm

It's time of the year again. Great food, live entertainment and more than 300 wines from around the world. The entire 1000 block of Park Street will be closed to traffic for you and 500 or more or your best friends to enjoy the wines and live entertainment. Food vendors will also in the street and stores will be open extra hours for your enjoyment.

This fall festival takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving every year. A donation of $30 will get you an engraved wine stem and a $5 coupon to use at participating merchants for use that night. You can purchase tickets in advance here or you can purchase your wristband the evening of the event at Riverside Liquors & Village Wine Shop.

All proceeds benefit Riverside Avondale Preservation & Big Brothers And Big Sisters. Please enjoy responsibly. Free one-way transportation will be provided from 8-11pm.

First Fridays in 5 Points

If you haven't stopped by the new Flat File Gallery in 5 Points, this Friday would be a great time to drop in. This Friday during First Friday, the gallery will open the exhibition Low Yards, new works by Jacksonville artist Anna McClellan. For this series she warmly renders natural objects found along her footpath, objects low to the ground and often overlooked in the broad vista of traditional landscape imagery. Read more>>

The 5 Points Theatre has a good locally made lineup for First Friday this month - they'll be showing a loop of locally made music videos from 6 to 9 (free!), and at 9 will be the first showing of Chiaroscuro, Baby featuring a Q&A with director Anthony Kilburn. Chiaroscuro, Baby will be shown all week - check their website for showtimes.

As usual our monthy block party offers live music, art, dining, shopping and entertainment in every direction. First Friday in 5 Points, this and every First Friday. See what makes us different. If you want your information included here, send me an e-mail.

Friday Nights Out At The Derby House

When Fuel closed its doors some felt that it left quite a music void in 5 Points. The Times-Union has a nice story about the newest place to catch some live music in the district. It's a different vibe to be certain but a very welcome one. Last week featured the Florida folk sounds of Ron & Mary. This week an out of town act Bill & Eli. The entertainment runs from 7 to 10 with an open mike in the last hour. With the nights finally cooling off a little, sitting outside on the deck at the Derby House with friends, drinks and food sounds like just the thing to kick off the weekend.

If you are into beading, Bead Here Now in 5 Points is offering classes.

Wednesday 10/01 - Basic Beading with Margaret
Saturday 10/03 - Blending Teas for Healing and Taste with Donna McGee of Green Lotus Organics
Sunday 10/04 -Soft Glass with B Ashley of Riverside Art Glass
Thursday 10/08 - Massage Therapists Massage Lotions and Body Butters workshop with Donna McGee of Green Lotus Organics
And many more! Check out their site for a complete listing.

Tonight in 5 Points… First Fridays!

6-9pm

Bakesale to benefit the 5 Points Beautification Project.

Tasty cupcakes by local baker Marisa Carta.
Engaging local art and handmade wares.
Live music by local favorite Airport Factory.
Special sales and events in stores.
A great time with friends.
And much much more!

Plus at 8:30 don't miss our cupcake eating contest!
Email stuffyourfacewithcupcakes@gmail.com to register.
Only $4 to enter and cash prize for the winner!

Over One Hundred Artists and Vendors Apply in the First Ten Days!

April 4 will be here before we know it. And for those of you who haven't heard… April 4 is the official launch! The good news is that we already have over 100 artists and vendors so you will not want to miss the opening. The Charter Member status is almost gone. If you are interested, sign up now! We could use a few more farmers and organic growers… so get the word out. We are also looking for a few sponsors for a number of wonderful programs that will help emerging artists show their work.

The RAM website is looking great! It is packed with information for artisans and visitors alike. The first “Artist of the Week” feature is now up and features Mike Barnhart. He is the talented designer responsible for our wonderful logo! A new feature of the RAM website is an extensive online workshop for artists, packed with tips and suggestions for anyone who wants to exhibit at the Market.

It's real! It's happening! Get in your studios, gardens and kitchens! Mark your calendars! And visit the website often for the latest news.

If you are into beading or want to try something new, Bead Here Now has some great classes and events scheduled. Visit their site for more details. Bead Here Now is located at 1051 Park St 5 Points . 904-475-0004.

Monday, March 2
Basic Wire Link Earrings with Catina
Time: 6:30-7:30 Fee:$15.00 + material

Wednesday, March 11
Wire link bracelet with Shannon
Time:6:30-9 Fee $20.00 + material

Saturday, March 14
Introducing the Itty Bitty Smithy
Time: 12-2pm Fee:$30. (includes material) Class limited to 4

Thursday, March 19
Basic Beading with Shannon
Time: 6:30-8:00 Fee: $15.00 + material

Sunday, March 22
Beading for Sassy Seniors-
Time:2:30-3:30 Fee: $10 + material (class starts promptly at 2:30 so arrive early to pick out your goodies)

Wednesday, March 25
Herringbone wire weave pendant with Shannon-
Time:11:30-12:30 Fee: $10 + material

Wednesday, March 25
Interchangable necklace with Shannon-
Time:6:30-8:30 Fee $15 + material

Space is limited so please sign up early!
$10 classes with student ID (does not include material)
Classes start promptly at 6:30 so please arrive around 6 or shortly after if you need to pick out your beads.

Have some popcorn with your Milk

Wine and More in 5 Points this Saturday

This is the 6th Annual Riverside Wine Fest. Party in the street. Drink wine. Taste over 300 wines from around the world and shop Five Points for amazing fall and holiday specials. Drink wine. Listen to music. Eat great food and… yes… drink wine! Bring your friends and get there early!

Saturday, November 22
6 to 9pm in 5 Points

The festival is free but if you want wine there is $30 donation. And that will benefit Big Brothers & Big Sisters and RAP! Not only will you get to try great wine but you will also receive a $5 coupon that is good at any of the participating 5 Points merchants.

Get your tickets at Riverside Liquors, 1035 Park Street or call them for more information 354-1001.

Free one-way transportation will be provided from 8-11pm.

Volunteers Needed!

RAP still has needs for volunteers to help with the Arts Festival in the following areas:

• Assist Artists
• Assist with Silent Auction
• Work in the Children's Zone
• Sell T-Shirts

Three shifts are available:

1. 9:30am to Noon
2. Noon to 2:30pm
3. 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

Please respond to Carmen Godwin, RAP Executive Director and provide your name, email, phone, day and time availability. Elaine Burnett, Volunteer Committee, will assign a spot for you and will confirm it with you. You may email her directly or call her at 389-4517.

Your help is very much appreciated and you are sure to have a great time.

Steamworks now Open in Five Points

Laura Capitano of the Times-Union reviews the new night spot in Riverside and talks to club manager Mike Kennedy.

The pub, basically a hybrid destination of a dance spot-British pub combo, was inspired by Jacksonville clubs of yesterday – The Milk Bar and Art Bar. While food is served there, what the club is basically serving up is a great place for the 18 and over crowd to dance, hear music and meet friends.

The spot has themed nights: Thursday and Friday nights feature an indie rock DJ and are the club's biggest dance nights; Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays feature "eclectic" music;
and Tuesday is the bar's rockabilly night. No mention of Mondays but the pub/club is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily with $3 cover from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday. It is located at 822 Lomax Street across from Hair Peace.

First Friday on the 4th in 5 Points

The big holiday weekend
starts in 5 Points
5-8pm
So get your party started
with bicycle decorating,
a chalk walk contest for artists,
shopping, live music,
art and great food!