First Friday ArtRide Pajama Party 2/6: Wear Red!

Join with millions of women, as well as companies, organizations and cities across America on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. By wearing red (and making a donation!), you’ll help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

So wear red this Friday where ever you are–and maybe you’ll be on a bike with us for the First Friday ArtRide as we roam the streets of Ventura, visiting various art galleries and ending up with a party at Anacapa Brewpub on Main! More details here.

In addition to wearing red, we’re encouraging EVERYONE to dress spectacularly–it’s the Friday before Valentine’s, a real RED letter day so RED is RAD, and so is lingerie or pajamas or? Surprise us! And remember to LAYER: boys and girls, put that RAD RED negligee on top of your cycling tights!

PreValentine’s Ride & PAJAMA PARTY
Friday February 6!!

5:15 Park and meet at the City of Ventura San Jon Road Maintenance Yard
5:30 Park and meet at the Artists Union Gallery, 33 S. California St
5:45 Ride off into the sunset en mass along the promenade, up the river trail and onto Main St to enjoy the open Art Galleries and spaces in downtown Ventura and the Westside

Not sure where all we will ride to once we leave the Artists Union Gallery where California meets the sea, but chances are, Bell Arts Factory up Ventura Avenue and Seabreeze Gallery on Laurel will be on our itinerary…so check the following out!

First Fridays, February 6, 5-9 pm
Bless Me Ultima Murals by MB Hanrahan

On Friday, February 6th starting at 6PM the Bell Arts Factory will host a Preview Party for the new mural by Ventura’s premiere muralist, MB Hanrahan. The Bless Me Ultima Mural is based on the 1972 classic book and wondrous novel of the same name by acclaimed New Mexican writer Rudolfo Anaya. Hanrahan’s quite extraordinary mural takes the legendary, folkloric, stylized writing and transforms the story into an exquisite and provocative visual delight.

The mural project springs from The Big Read, a nationwide literacy project sponsored by the National Endowment For The Arts, in which the City and County of Ventura participated. Future plans include displaying the mural publicly in downtown Ventura’s Historic District. This event is also part of the First Fridays Gallery Crawl where downtown and Westside art galleries and studios are open to the public. The Bell Arts Factory is located at 432 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura, CA 93001. For more info: (805) 258-1160.

Seabreeze Gallery First Friday Event: “Heart’s Desire”

February 6th, 4 – 8 pm.

In honor of the
American Heart Association’s
“National Wear Red Day”,
please join us for red wine (good for the
heart), chocolate (for stirring passions and following one’s heart), red velvet cake
(for feeding the appetite of Love), affordable
Valentine art gifts (for expressing
your heart’s desire), and a romantic fire pit
(to fan the flames of the amorous)!

YOU TOO Can Plan a Wear Red Day!
It’s easy to be a part of this special day. Consider organizing a National Wear Red Day a free, downloadable tools.  It’s a great way to raise awareness and help us fight our No. 1 killer – heart disease.

1. Start by registering as a Wear Red Day Coordinator/Host. You’ll get free, downloadable tools to help you plan and execute your Wear Red Day. They’re available on your registration confirmation email. (Already registered to host a Wear Red Day event? Then please visit this page.)
2. Download our free Conversations from the Heart: A Go Red For Women Discussion Guide to get the conversation going about heart health. Share it with your HR representative, employer, coworkers, family, friends.
3. Make a connection with your local American Heart Association.

And last but not least, a reminder that Nowtopia author Chris Carlsson will be in the SoCal region this weekend–maybe even locally! Find out for yourself how “Pirate Programmers, Outlaw Bicyclists, and Vacant Lot Gardeners Are Inventing the Future Toay!” Watch for more details in a coming post!