Celebrate the arrival of spring with First City art Center (FCAC) at the first Hot Glass Cold Brew (HGCB) event of 2024.
Hosted annually by the FCAC, this popular series of themed events is designed to celebrate art and the community, while also supporting local artists. This year’s HGCB event series will kick off with “Art in Bloom” on March 8 at the First City Art Center in downtown Pensacola.
Since its inception more than 20 years ago, HGCB has grown to become one of FCAC’s most popular fundraising events, where guests have the opportunity to choose from more than 600 hand-crafted glass or ceramic cups to be filled with samplings of tasty craft beers throughout the evening.
“Art in Bloom will feature special guest glass artist Dan Alexander of St. Petersburg, Fla. His work is exceedingly technical and includes functional vessels as well as large-scale sculptures. He draws you into the exciting world of creating something made from 2,100°F of molten glass,” First City Art Center Executive Director Bart Hudson said.
HGCB “Art in Bloom” will feature live glass blowing and pottery demonstrations, live music, local food trucks, kid’s activities, a gallery opening showcasing the works of FCAC’s Gallery 1060 artists and more.
Guests will also have a chance to enjoy a variety of tasty fare from some of Pensacola’s top-rated food trucks including Double Dippers, Rolling Embers and Cactus Flower. Pensacola Bay Brewery will provide the assortment of flavorful brews available for sampling throughout the evening.
Other event festivities include a special art market hosted by the FCAC Ceramics Guild. The market will feature numerous artist and vendors selling items like pottery, jewelry, handmade bath and body products, pet accessories, resin and multimedia art, clothing and more.
“In addition to our guest glass artist doing demonstrations, our highly accomplished sculpture artist Sam Nettles will be doing a demonstration, and our clay guild will be holding court in the Martha Brooks McKee Education Annex. A big favorite of the HGCB crowd, The White Sands Panhandle Band, will also be entertaining guests with their great sound of bluegrass, country and rockabilly,” Hudson explained.
Organized by FCAC staff and with the extraordinary help of nearly 75 volunteers, more than 650 individuals attend each HGCB event, with all proceeds directly benefiting FCAC and its programs.
“It is always an exciting moment to open the gates for HGCB. Our friends are genuinely excited to be here and experience all that First City has to offer. The creativity is extraordinary and the community even more so. Truly, the ART of the city,” Hudson said.
FCAC members will have first dibs on selecting their cup, with early entry to the event at 5 pm for $25 per ticket. Non-members have the option to purchase tickets in advance or in-person at the event for $35. Nonmembers who purchase tickets prior to the event will be granted entry at 5:30 pm, while tickets at the gate will go on sale at 6 pm.
Tickets include a handmade artisan glass or ceramic cup and two complimentary craft beer fills (or wine) for adults ages 21 and older. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted for free with a paying adult.
Kick off your spring at HGCB “Art in Bloom” on Friday, March 8 at the First City Art Center at 1060 N. Guillemard St. in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and complete event details, visit firstcityart.org.