Scranton’s First Friday Art Walk
In my hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I grew up venturing into our various littles towns and villages a few times each month. True Lancastrians recognize the quaint buildings to be full of character and history, and despite having traversed these streets for the entirety of my life, I am still drawn to them.
A few months back, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a fellow travel blogger who was visiting for a press trip. As a history buff and lover of culture, she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she spoke of her Amish buggy ride and tours of historical buildings that I never knew existed in our town. I offered to show her around our city’s downtown and introduce her to thrift stores and other hidden spots she may have missed. Witnessing her wonder-filled eyes sparked a refreshed love of Lancaster in my soul, as it reminded me just how charming our little city could be. Hailing from Brooklyn, she was impressed by our fresh air, quaint shops, and lesser-congested streets. I found myself gaining a newfound appreciation of these factors as well, with each of her compliments gaining favor in my soul, even though I’ve many times neglected these positive aspects of my hometown.
As I showed her around and introduced her to some of my favorite local spots, the more nostalgic I became. One such tradition that many other Lancaster residents and I have embraced is our monthly First Friday celebration. Each month, the downtown area celebrates its arts and culture scene, mainly with its numerous art galleries and exhibitions. Residents and tourists alike can take part in activities, whether it be attending a performance at one of our theaters or perusing the art galleries to discover a new local artist. This event is prominent in Lancaster and has inspired other communities to take note, such as Lititz with their Second Friday events and even Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The Electric City’s Appreciation for Art
A little over two hours north of Lancaster, Scranton is the state’s electric city, the name paying homage to its historic innovations in electric lights and streetcars. The city still holds its history in high regard, promoting interactive museums and keeping its vintage streetcars in pristine condition. In addition to its novel advancements, however, is a deep appreciation for art. Like Lancaster, Scranton holds its own highly-anticipated First Friday events dedicated to celebrating the work of its local artists. Visitors are encouraged to embark on a free self-guided tour through an art walk that features a variety of galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops. This monthly event provides an outlet for artists to showcase their work to a broader range of audiences, many of which may not usually peruse art galleries in their free time.
Free entertainment is provided by the varied artwork shown. Some galleries showcase portrait photographs, while others display an array of eccentric sculptures. Spectators may not know what to expect each month, as this fresh cycle of artistry doesn’t skim on surprise. The city also supports live entertainment acts scattered throughout galleries and other businesses along the art walk. As sightseers explore at their own pace, they find themselves in a position to pause and admire a piece of their choosing without being rushed. Viewing the art becomes a leisure hobby rather than an item to be ticked off a list.
Situated within the city’s art scene is Scranton’s Artists for Art (AFA). This gallery exists with the mission to foster an appreciation for the visual arts, which is found few and far between in many communities nowadays. In many regions, the arts are becoming neglected despite their ability to inspire viewers and spread awareness on important issues. AFA sees an opportunity to revitalize its effect on communities, specifically within Northeast Pennsylvania. By providing a space for visual art to be appreciated, AFA subsequently provides support to regional artists who make a living from their art or dedicate much of their time to their craft. This gallery is where art and culture meet to impact the community and create an ongoing stream of personal expression.
Art in the Christian Community
Discussing Scranton’s First Friday gives us an opportunity to explore the world around us, but as Christians, we can take it one step further to reflect on why art matters to us. In life and society, we're often told what to care about and what to spend our time on. In our fast-paced culture, it can seem counterintuitive to focus on something that demands deeper thought and introspection. Art offers self-reflection and a way to connect to the world around us, but it takes patience and intentionality.
Within the Christian community, we are aware of God’s intention behind everything He does. More specifically, we see His artistic expression in countless ways. Whether in blades of grass or a newborn baby’s eyelashes, God’s artistry covers this planet in far more ways than we often notice. Romans 1:20 shares evidence of His creative nature on Earth and beyond.
“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NIV).
In His creation, which is the foundation of art, we find His invisible qualities to be made noticeable. As we view modern art, we can conclude that these works of art are extensions of His beauty, regardless of whether or not the artists themselves received divine intervention while creating the pieces. As Christians, however, we can take these secular pieces of art and connect them with Scripture, using human-created artifacts to draw conclusions about our loving Savior and His sovereignty.
The arts have always been an integral part of a Christian's life. A look at David’s harmonious psalms gives a microscopic view into an area of his life he poured much devotion into. His expressions, groans, and praises became beautiful works of literature included in scripture. Touring old churches gives an alternate view of the arts in Christian culture. Walking into a synagogue reminds us of the intricate details and breathtaking stained glass windows that used to be prominent in each building as a way to give our best back to God. Although not necessary to feel God’s presence, these artistic expressions were a sacrifice unto Him, many of which have been erased from modern churches. This intentional architectural artwork served as a means to celebrate a fraction of the Lord’s inherent beauty, a priority we might consider returning to.
Art in the Christian community has been rooted in honoring God, and we have come to celebrate many famed pieces of artwork such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. We have seen God’s artistry at work throughout many Christian circles, often helping us grasp God’s character and the gospel’s truths in a way that is able to be absorbed by humanity. Alluding to Romans 1:20 once more, art, in all of its traditional, secular, and sacred forms, connects us more closely with our Creator. Our continual celebration of the arts, without doing so in an idolizing approach, allows us to see a glimpse of God’s beauty which will later unfold into its full brilliance when the final scales are taken off of our eyes.
The art showcased during events like Scranton’s First Friday can remind us that all art forms here on Earth are the very extensions of God’s true nature. As Christians, we can approach these events with a redemptive expectancy, eager to see the unfolding of God’s beauty expressed through these artists’ works. With this knowledge in mind, we should be active advocates for the continual appreciation and creation of art because, despite the artists’ inspiration, we recognize these pieces as a visible reflection of our Creator.
As we go about our daily lives, let us dive deeper into the artistry around us, discovering more about our Creator in the process. May we be individuals who dig into soulful interpretations of artwork, supporting this stimulating field rather than turning to fast-paced activities that leave little room for reflection.
