Claremont Art Walk tonight

Tonight, Friday, October 4 promises to be an active night upstairs in the Claremont Packing House during Art Walk.

Claremont Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month roughly between 6 and 9 p.m. at local galleries. There will be three locations participating this month upstairs in the Packing House in Village West. The Colony at Loft 204, Galeria de Perolas and the location formerly used for PermaDirty Project Space will be used by Material Girls for the evening.

The Colony at Loft 204 is set to host a Halloween-themed evening with an opening reception for October. Find yourself transported through the Twilight Zone this haunted holiday season with The Colony’s ghoulish new exhibit, featuring the artwork of graphic artist and illustrator Matthew Jager. Twenty-two years ago the local artist picked up a pencil to sketch his favorite comic heroes. He’s been hooked ever since. Doodles developed into polished designs at the Art Institute, where Mr. Jager honed his craft under the tutelage of Robert Delgadillo. With chiaroscuro and the works of renowned illustrators Al Hirschfield, Jim Lee and Rangar influencing his creations, Mr. Jager finds inspiration in the way imagery, simple or complex, draws a response from an audience. He hopes to get gallery-goers talking with his latest exhibit, featuring macabre muses that bring to life what’s sometimes beyond the grave.

Also at The Colony, Live on Analog Records will present “Gypsy Jam” featuring musicians Eva & The Vagabond Tales as well as Jessie Andra Smith. Belly dancer Adina Dane will accompany the music with a gypsy-style performance of her own. Guests are invited to dress Halloween-festive or gypsy-like. The gallery will also offer treats to eat, classic horror film projections, tarot readings and more to get into the Halloween spirit. This event is free to attend and takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.

Down the hall, Material Girls Jan Wheatcroft and Helen Feller will be showing their newest work including quilts, quilted wall hangings, woven tapestries, original prints, spirit dolls, spirit houses, collages and assorted antique decorated boxes. The opening reception takes place on Friday, October 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. and continues on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.n. in suite 219.

Galeria de Perolas, located across the hallway at suite 211, will host a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. celebrating their exhibition “Parallels.” Each exhibited artist was asked to submit at least three pieces of their work as a series showcasing their unique style. In this way, each artist is paralleled to other artists displaying a range of contrasting contemporary techniques and styles.

The Claremont Packing House is located at 532 W. First St., Claremont. There are two staircases at each end of the interior of the Packing House as well as an elevator. Several businesses are located on the second floor, including Flappers Comedy Club, Fitness Loft (martial arts, personal trainer and physical fitness), Vargas Conservatory of Music (piano lessons), Phebie’s NeedleArt (classes and shop) and more. The Colony at Loft 204 and Galeria de Perolas are open every first Friday of the month for Claremont Art Walk and host a reception with complimentary refreshments and an artist meet-and-greet.