Art, music, friends and food combine in downtown Wake Forest every second Friday evening for Art After Hours.
          This Friday, July 9, stroll through downtown from 5 to 9 p.m., drop in to enjoy the receptions for artists, listen to the music, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and top the evening off with dinner at one of the downtown restaurants.
          There are artist receptions at four galleries/shops:
          * At The Cotton Company, owners Elizabeth and Bob Johnson are featuring the photography of Barbara Blaisdell, “My World in Black and White.” Blaisdell’s works cover a wide range – landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, people and still life – and examine light, shadow and texture.
          The Johnson’s will host a wine tasting during the reception from 6 to 9 p.m.
          * At Wake Forest Art & Frame, owner Beth Massey has hung Amanda James’ time-lapse nature photography studies on her walls for an exhibit titled “It’s a Wonderful Life.” James has a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and now lives in the Wake Forest area.
          The reception will also run from 6 to 9 p.m. with wine, beverages and food provided by Bottle & Bean Bistro.
          * Robbin Richardson is the featured artist at Sunflower Studio & Gallery where Mister Felix will provide the music and the resident artists and friends will provide the wine and refreshments. From 5 to 9 p.m. enjoy Richardson’s vibrant acrylics inspired by her winter home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The show is titled “Visions and Vibes from Vallarta.”
          * At Tuxedo Junction Raleigh artist Robert Daniels will join resident artist Phyllis Dyer Weldon as he exhibits his oils, acrylics and watercolors, all titled “Reflections of North Carolina. During the reception from 5 to 9 p.m. pianist Greg Brink will perform on the new baby grand.
          * No reception is planned, but there will be new works by painters Jeanna Jinks and Ed Hardy and by metalsmith Maureen Brusa Zappellini and Ginger Meek Allen at the Lede Studio and Gallery near Festival Park on South White Street.
There will be live outdoor music provided by owner Albert Barneto at the Wake Forest Coffee Company as well as local performers on the stage around the corner facing the depot parking lot.
          The Downtown Revitalization Corporation will provide the free carriage rides, always a hit with the children.
          All along South White Street and on side streets strollers will find interesting shops and studios filled with art, jewelry, collectibles and antiques, all open after hours and several offering refreshments or special events.
          After you visit the new Lede Studio & Gallery, stop in at GC5 Vintage & Gifts as you head north. Look into For Old Times Sake, browse through the Old Magnolia Trading Company, pop into the Next Consignment Boutique, wander through the Red Door, find unique locally handmade items at The Lemon Tree, pick up some garden-inspired gifts at Sprig, climb up to The Twisted Vine wine shop, find locally-produced food items at NC Specialty Shops, and top it off with a book and a short rest at the Storyteller’s Book Store before you choose your restaurant for dinner.