On Friday, Feb. 26, it’s time again to experience the artistic and entertaining side of historic downtown Fayetteville for February’s 4th Friday. Culture and creativity connect as many artistic venues and restaurants open their doors to exhibit unique galleries, serve great food and drinks, present talented artists and offer many exciting crowd-pleasing activities. 4th Friday Celebration of the arts and downtown is presented by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. The event highlights are sure to be visually and sonically stimulating as local artists, as well as special guests from across the country come to Fayetteville to share their work.

This 4th Friday, there is something to peak the interests of all ages and much to enjoy for many different tastes. Appropriately timed for the season, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum has free admission and activities planned for kids during which they will be making snowfl akes! Marketing and Development Director, Emily Polley says, “The children will be able to look at many different snowfl akes and discover more about the history. In addition to exploring the exhibits, they’ll have fun folding and cutting their own snowfl akes to take with them.”

There will also be plenty to engage the attention of adults as they visit the lively streets and venues downtown, such as the Cumberland County Headquarters Library where a special musical guest and friends will be presented. “We’re looking forward to hearing Brian Morgan, a Grammy-ominated performer who plays a variety of music on acoustic guitar,” says Kelly Tomita, narketing and communications canager of CCHQL. “Morgan studied under jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd at North Carolina Central University and will entertain us with Jazz, R&B, Funk and Gospel. He’s bringing 45RPM, a group of young vocalists that he put together ages 11-18 who will be performing live music from the ‘70s and ‘80s. We hope families will come out to enjoy this experience with us.”

Cape Fear Studios proudly presents a Fine Crafts Show. Artists who work with wood, metal, ceramics, fabrics and more have been invited from different areas to showcase their unique projects. Brian Bortz out of Durham, N.C. will exhibit his marvelous wood creations. Joel Honeycutt shows his versatile talent in ceramic art, from exotic sculptures to more traditional pieces such as beautifully crafted dishes. The Pixie Ladies from California share their themed quilts and Nancy Nicholson will be sending her stained glass pieces from New York. “Our own Erica Stankwytch Bailey, curator of the event, handpicked the artists after seeing them at American Crafts Council shows in Baltimore, Philadelphia and other cities,” says Chris Castner, executive director of CFS. “The reason Bailey wanted to put this together is to show how fi ne and sophisticated craftwork can be. It goes beyond cute and country. We’re excited to show these amazing works of art that use traditional techniques with unique artistic flair.”

Free events, complimentary refreshments and talented people will come together in the heart of Fayetteville this 4th Friday. Bring your friends and family downtown to see the nationally touring exhibition, Art of the Masters: A Survey of African American Images, 1980-2000. For more information contact 910-323-1776 or visit www.theartscouncil.com.