The Lackawanna County Department of Recreation is partnering with United Neighborhood Centers on a one-week camp at McDade Park August 4-8.

Lackawanna County Deputy Director of Arts and Culture Maureen McGuigan is currently seeking artists of all disciplines who would be willing to lead an one-hour workshop for children and adolescents. The hours would be between 1-3 p.m., except for Aug. 6 which would be 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Artists will be working with a group of 10-15 children in an outside environment. Tables are available. There is a $100 stipend. If interested, please e-mail Maureen a brief description of your proposed activity and supply list at poetic_stage@yahoo.com. If you have any questions, please call 570-963-6590 or e-mail.

This month’s First Friday event falling on the Fourth of July holiday made for a less-than-average number of venues but it didn’t stop art lovers in the Greater Scranton area from coming out to take part in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s best monthly art event.

The reliable AFA Gallery had a great turnout for the exhibit “Love of Color” by Lois Kearney and Alice Laputka. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church hosted three exhibits — “Vision and Inspiration from One’s Own Grandchildren” by David Johnson, “Pieces of Mixed Media” by Holly Leard and “Reflections in Black& White” by Jeniffer Aranas-Cebula — as well as live music by the Jim Welch Dixieland Band.

The August First Friday is sure to be even bigger and better. Mark your calendars now for Friday, August 1. And if you’re an interested artist or venue be sure to sign up.

The June First Friday event in downtown Scranton celebrated people who have overcome cancer with artwork created and inspired by survivors.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church hosted “Spaces for the Spirit: In Celebration of Cancer Survivors,” a photography exhibit by John Levandoski, as well as a photo display of cancer survivors by Ray Carlier. They also displayed a mural created by 12 local cancer survivors under the direction of Judy Youshock and Donna Doherty from Heart to Art.

The art was great; the food was delicious; and Antioch rocked out on Center Street.

In spite of the holiday, the July First Friday will be held on Friday, July 4, so why not kick off your Independence Day weekend with First Friday in downtown Scranton.

The Times-Tribune published an article today highlighting the unique theme of the June 6 First Friday art walk. The theme of the June First Friday event is “Celebrating Cancer Survivors” and the artwork at several participating venues was either inspired or created by cancer survivors.

At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, in particular, there will be a photographic display of survivors by Ray Carlier. Visitors can create their own tiles as part of the Cancer Survivors Tiles Project and Northeastern Pennsylvania Susan G. Komen For The Cure will also offer a mural inspired by breast cancer created by 12 local survivors.

The May 2 First Friday was another huge success for the downtown Scranton arts community. Each venue was crowded with visitors enjoying the art, music and food.

Visitors came downtown for the art and stayed for the great restaurants and shopping. With 26 participating gallery spaces this month, the event continues to grow.

The June First Friday will be Friday, June 6. Artists are already signing up for what’s sure to be the biggest and best First Friday ever.

Follow these links if you’d like to host an event, show your work or become a sponsor.