Art, music, books, carriage rides, receptions and friends can all be found in historic downtown Wake Forest Friday night for the monthly Art After Hours gala.
          Tucked under next to the bypass, the Storyteller’s Bookstore will host author Kevin Harvey, who will be signing his book: Jonah, John, and the Second Greatest (but Most Avoided) Commandment.
          Moving south and across from Backfins Crabhouse, you will come to The Lemon Tree where you will find live music along with jewelry, hand-painted glassware and children’s clothing.
          Up the street turn into Wake Forest Art & Frame where owner Beth Massey will host a reception for painter Kathy Hight and potter Edge Barnes. The food and wine will be provided by Bottle & Bean.
          The next stop will be a step down East Jones Avenue to Sunflower Studio for an opening night reception called New Beginnings in which local artist Nancy Busch will present her paintings. Expect music, but that has not been announced.
          Back across the street the parking lot will be lively with Open Mic Night on the South White Street Stage and families and couples queuing for rides in the horse-drawn carriage provided free by the Downtown Revitalization Corporation.
          More live music will be on hand beginning at 8 p.m., outdoors if the weather permits, at the Wake Forest Coffee Company. After a cup or an ice cream cone, go upstairs to The Twisted Vine for a show of My Silpade Jewelry and a wine tasting.
          Almost next door at the Next Consignment shop, Larry Kirwan will play his dulcimer from 6 to 8 p.m. and there will be refreshments.
          Cross the street again to For Old Times Sake where you will find refreshments and a special event.
          Continue south to The Cotton Company where Wake Forest artist Ema Godfrey’s paintings and sculptures will be featured. You will a reception for Godfrey along with refreshments and a wine tasting from 6 to 9 p.m.
          From there head a bit east to Tuxedo Junction in the Renaissance Plaza for art by resident artist Phyllis Dyer Weldon and guest artist Roxane Lessa as well as refreshments.
          Your final stop with an announced event is at GC5 Vintage and Gifts where Kristin Boness Firewicz will have her photography on view.
          Many of the other downtown shops and stores will be open: Sprig, Old Magnolia Trading Company, The Red Door, the Lede Gallery and N.C. Specialty Shops.
          To top off the evening, join some friends for nibbles or dinner at one of the downtown restaurants: A La Mode Ice Cream, Backfins Crabhouse, Las Margaritas, La Foresta, Over the Falls Deli and the Seafood Shack.