Triangle.com

Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent

It's not your first Friday, but it's First Friday. Here's your sneak peek on what to do, what to see & where to be and be seen:

ADAM CAVE FINE ART: Wayne Trapp: Recent paintings and brush drawings, 6-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 30.

"Wayne Trapp will be at the opening reception on Friday to meet the public and unveil this new group of abstract paintings, all completed this past winter in his mountain studio. Trapp has a large following in the area but has not had an exhibit of new paintings in a number of years due to the demand, nationwide, for his large-scale public sculpture. This will be a rare opportunity to meet the artist and to see, not only the new paintings, but also his elegant black-and-white ink drawings of the figure." — Adam Cave, gallery owner, Adam Cave Fine Art

AMPLIFIED ART: HAND PRINTS by Justin Helton, 5-10 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 8.

"As a music inspired art gallery, we feature a fresh alternative to your usual First Friday exhibits. This month, we're proud to exhibit over 50 hand printed gig posters, ranging from the Avett Brothers to Phish, by Justin Helton of Status Serigraph. We also give out free beer and wine, which is always a plus!" — Diana Tong, co-owner, Amplified Art

LOCAL COLOR GALLERY: "Time to Get Flowers" & "Handcrafted Jewelry Showcase," 6-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 30.

"Hammered, Fused, Sculpted & Painted? An exhibition of gouache painted bouquets by Galina Stockstill, mixed-media floral handcrafted jewelry designs by Virginia Owen, Lizzie Bailey and Jamie Miller. 'The fusion of different arts creates an atmosphere of spring and beauty. A chance to see all one-of-kind art pieces by talented women.'" — Adrien Montoya, manager, local color Gallery

BEEHIVE STUDIOS: Alternate Reality, 6-10 p.m. Exhibit runs through May 3.

"Please join us in welcoming Laura Johnston to Raleigh and experience her works including an eclectic mix of Surrealistic paintings, conceptual photos and colorful macro photos. Laura Johnston is a self-taught photographer & artist living in Raleigh, NC. Her work is influenced by a wide range of ideas and inspirations, from the most organic forms of beauty found in nature, to the wildest corners of her own imagination. Laura's interest in the unconventional assists her in determining the subject matter of her art." Live music April 1 at 8p, Humble Fung, special guests from Great Britain, and Johnny Swank with the "Fritocaster." — Jeff Magner, manager, Beehive Studios

VISUAL ART EXCHANGE: Unfettered, 6-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 28.

"VAE's April exhibit is Unfettered, meaning free and unrestrained. There are no theme or media restrictions, so really anything goes. This show was juried by Kristen Watts, director of exhibitions and special projects at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC." — Meredith Burgess, exhibitions director, Visual Art Exchange

DAPPER STYLE HOUSE: First Friday to Benefit Japanese Red Cross, 8-11 p.m. Adam Peele's artwork will stay in the store all of April. His shirts are only available the day of the event. Paper cranes will stay in the store all of April, as well.

"Starting with First Friday, our goal is to raise $1000 for Japanese Red Cross by making 1000 paper cranes. Stop by Dapper, donate $1 per crane, and make the crane yourself. Or, let our store staff make it for you! The cranes will stay up in the store all month as decor. Also, local artist Adam Peele has designed some amazing T-shirts that you can purchase; full proceeds go to Japanese Red Cross." — Tara Zechini, director of marketing, Dapper Style House

BUSY BEE: A Fresh Perspective, 6 p.m. Special preview March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Mezzanine Area. Artists featured will be on hand and the Bee will be providing light apps. Exhibit runs through May 4.

"A collection of work from local artists that centers on the subjective nature of perspective. Appropriately opening on April Fools' Day, this show will entice you to take a closer look so your eyes won't deceive you. Come experience creativity with a twist; you may be surprised what you'll discover." — Scott McClure, show curator/artist, Busy Bee Cafe/The Hive

ISAAC HUNTER'S OAK CITY TAVERN: Rick White presents Good Times and Fast Cars at Isaac Hunter's, 6-10 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 30, raffle ends at 9 p.m.

"Rick White combines his flair for photography with his love for Hot Rod Culture in his First Friday showcase at Isaac Hunter's. In addition to his show, we'll be having a raffle to raise money in support of the relief effort in Japan. Come out to drink a couple of beers; enjoy some very cool artwork by local artist Rick White; and help us raise money for people who are in truly dire need." — Zack Medford, co-owner, Isaac Hunter's Oak City Tavern

REBUS WORKS: Decals, 6-10 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 30.

"Decals will feature a handful of selected drawings in the form of decals from some of our favorite artists. Work by Julie Armbruster, David Eichenberger, Kreh Mellick, Casey Porn, and Jason Whitman will be on display. Only Burger will be here." — Melinda Rittenhouse, gallery manager, Rebus Works