First Friday event at The Station in Floyd

The Station on South Locust in Floyd, VA, a new business/residential development at the former site of Mama Lazardo's Pizza & Subs, is opening this weekend after many months of construction activity. Visitors and well-wishers have been dropping by to greet the new tenants even before the doors are officially open.

The design and finishing touches of this completely transformed building show the great attention to detail that Woody Crenshaw brings to all of his projects. It should be a popular stop for visitors even before the new restaurant opens with its high profile patio dining area.

Local artists, artisans, and business people have been setting up shop while contractors were still applying the finishing touches needed to make the Station ready for tonight's First Friday Open House event.

Not all suites are occupied, but there are already enough filled to make a significant difference in the number of businesses and artists celebrating First Friday this month.

The Blue Ridge Art Connection had a successful soft opening during the Floyd Town Jubilee two weeks ago. The members of the Blue Ridge Art Connection are shown here during a recent promo shoot.

They are ready to welcome visitors this weekend with new work and more artists than ever before. They are also featuring the work of their student artists as well.

They are very supportive of new artists and provide classes and mentoring on an individualized basis.

They welcome new members and students at all skill levels. Some of the students have gone on to become professional artists.

This is the group that launched me into custom picture framing several years ago.

I will have a continuing display in this new gallery to show what can be achieved with custom framing.

This week's display is a shadow box for displaying an antique mask.

Next door to the Blue Ridge Art Connection, Starroot (AKA Ruth Neumann) has an exhibit of her colorful and whimsical work. Starroot, like many Floyd artists is also a musician. I took this shot of her taking a musical break a few days ago while she was setting up shop.

Across the hall from the Blue Ridge Art Connection you will find The Troika, three long-time Floyd artists  (Gibby Waitzkin, Silvie Granatelli, and Susan Icove) whose works are more in the three dimensional realm. This studio is a real find for those who want to create unique interiors for home or office.

There are other tenants well worth visiting. My neighbor Ann Bower has an Avon office in the rear of the building, there is a woodworking business opening soon, and Kate Anderson is opening a studio in the back hall.

Did I mention the wine tasting room? The local vineyards, cider producers, meaderies and micro brewers are setting up a tasting room which will feature beverages from local producers. This will be a popular stop for visitors, I am sure.

Stop in tonight for the First Friday celebration if you can (5-8 PM). It should be a good time for all concerned. This kicks off the season at the Station and the shops and studios will be open for business from now on.