Throughout the evening, the City of Reading will be activating the art center’s large, former goggle factory campus with an array of other programs. Visitors can enjoy live performances, food trucks, a beer garden, community vendors, and a variety of fun activities. In addition to the schedule of programs, attendees can check out GoggleWorks’ New Store and studios of over 35 resident artists. Admission and parking to First Friday at GoggleWorks are cost-free, and all are welcome. Donations are gratefully accepted to support the ongoing work of GoggleWorks’ nonprofit mission to transform lives through unique interactions with art.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

5pm – First Friday kicks off: live performances, food trucks, beer garden, vendors, activities
6pm – National Juried Art Exhibition opening reception
7:30pm – Shatter Our Fears signature event
8pm – Andrew Pochan public mural reception; walking tours of new Art Park construction plans
8:30pm – From the River public film premiere

SHATTER OUR FEARS:

Inspired by a young art student named Alberto who said, “I spend too much time collecting the stories that hold me back,” we are excited to present “Shatter Our Fears.”

During 42 mobile events held by GoggleWorks in 2022, participants listed their fears—for their families, their community, their own lives—on paper scrolls and deposited them into an elaborate blown glass vessel, handcrafted by professional artists to represent the time we spend holding on to our worries.

On June 2nd, at First Friday, the series will culminate in a public celebration in the courtyard of GoggleWorks. Fears will be read by community leaders and then the glass vessel will be destroyed as a public art spectacle with an enormous “Mazo de Esperanza” or “Sledgehammer of Hope.” This effigy will be used as a symbol of moving beyond our fears and limiting beliefs.

Glass artists will receive design input from participants to create of a new vessel, representing a new form to spark our collective future.

NATIONAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION:

Starting at 6pm, GoggleWorks will also be hosting a reception for the opening of its annual National Juried Exhibition, highlighting exemplary two-dimensional works from artists around the country. The exhibition will showcase 2D media such as drawings, paintings, prints, collage, and photographs. Renowned artist Mark Mahosky curated the show and will select top awards to be announced during the reception.

FROM THE RIVER PUBLIC FILM PREMIERE:

At 8:30pm will be a public premiere of From the River, by local filmmaker Tracy Schott. The film explores the history of Reading and includes animated portions featuring a public mural by local artist Andrew Pochan called “Reading is Ours: a folk mural of Reading, PA”, commissioned by Schott Productions and installed at GoggleWorks. Tickets for the film are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors, and $7 for students. First Friday attendees can view the public mural, which can be found on the east side of GoggleWorks’ hot glass studio. A special reception will be held there at 8pm to highlight the mural and bring to life the history displayed in the work.