MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Every month the Middletown Art Center serves as a starting point for an evening of fun.

This Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., come and meet local business people, artisans and makers who specialize in media and technology. It’s a chance to get to know some of the local people who work to create digital beauty, and an opportunity to get to know some of your neighbors better.

But while that’s a starting point, Middletown does its First Fridays differently. The town has designed the First Fridays not just to showcase art, but rather to create a place for local businesses to present their own events, bring in business and draw the community together.

Don’t think of it as an event, per se, but rather a series of independently hosted parties at several Middletown businesses featuring artists, musicians and makers. It’s also a way to bring people to Middletown who may not have been before, and give them a chance to enjoy a beautiful evening’s stroll.

This First Friday, Sept. 6, the art walk shines a spotlight on media and technology at MAC where the farmers market will also be hosted.

“Native Plants from a Pomo Perspective” will be featured at the Gibson Museum with Kathleen Scavone and Millie Simon, from 5 to 7 p.m., in three 40-minute sessions (limited seating).

Musician Colby Lee Huston will be performing at the car wash, and Edwin and Barbara Christwitz, accompanied by Miles Cooley on his penny whistle, will lead Peace Prayer Dances from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Middletown Library on the lawn.

Additional musicians and artists/makers will be featured at businesses throughout town including Star Gardens, Koontz Mercantile and more.

Also, it’s a chance to enjoy the “Nature” exhibit in the main gallery and to see a new collection of works by Alana Clearlake in the small gallery at Middletown Art Center.

If you haven’t been yet, take the time to head to Middletown for this unique, vibrant local living experience.