First Friday

Friday, May 2

Join us for First Friday on Friday, May 2 from 6–9 p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center.

Live Music – Island Time Lite

Free music 7-10 p.m. on the Williams Brew Stage

Exhibition

Claire Marcus: Industrial Strength – Located in the Alvin H Butz Gallery and ArtsQuest Center First Floor

Free Art-Making – Watercolor with Teaching Artist Rachel Cavotta

Join us on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center for free art-making.

First Friday Pop Up Art Market

ArtsQuest will host local artists to our First Friday Pop Up Art Markets in connection with Southside Arts District’s First Friday events throughout the year. This is an opportunity for local artists to showcase to new audiences and sell their work during these community events. Different artists will be featured each month the market is hosted, stop by each month to check out something new!

May Vendors:

Isabella Trauger
Ballpoint Pen & Acrylic Artist | Historic & Floral Themes Isabella Trauger is a self-taught artist based in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, whose work intricately captures the charm of historic Bethlehem and the delicate beauty of florals. With a passion for fine detail and expressive composition, she specializes in ballpoint pen ink drawings on paper, bringing to life the rich architectural heritage and timeless landscapes of Bethlehem. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for history, storytelling, and the preservation of local landmarks. In addition to her monochromatic pieces, Isabella explores vibrant acrylic floral paintings, blending bold color palettes with fluid brushstrokes to evoke emotion and natural beauty. Her dual artistic approach—meticulous pen work and expressive painting—creates a compelling contrast, showcasing her versatility and creative depth. As a proud member of the Lehigh Art Alliance, Isabella actively participates in regional exhibitions and community art events, sharing her work with local audiences. Her pieces have been featured in various showcases, highlighting both the historical significance of Bethlehem and the timeless allure of nature. 

Sophie Hami
Sophie – Henna Artist & Cultural Storyteller Sophie is a passionate and skilled henna artist with years of experience creating intricate, meaningful designs for diverse audiences. As the founder of Henna Chakra (2018), she brings the beauty of traditional and contemporary henna art to Lehigh Valley at corporate events, schools, universities, cultural programs, NGOs, and cultural celebrations. Her work goes beyond decoration—each design is an expression of art, culture, and storytelling. Sophie specializes in freehand designs that blend classic motifs with modern aesthetics, ensuring a unique experience for every client. She also offers henna workshops, where participants explore the history, symbolism, and techniques behind this ancient art form. Beyond body art, Sophie channels her creativity into henna-inspired home decor products, transforming everyday items into stunning pieces of art. With a deep appreciation for cultural traditions and a commitment to creativity, Sophie’s henna services add a touch of elegance, connection, and artistry to any event. 

Richelle Walk 
Original jewelry designs in sterling silver and natural gemstones handcrafted using the lost wax casting process and traditional metalsmithing techniques.  

Erika Salus
My name is Erika and I am the creator of Earfunk! I’m formally trained as a painter and photographer but I wanted to explore other creative outlets. I’ve always been someone who enjoyed learning new things. I tend to jump from hobby to hobby! I graduated from Moravian University in 2019 with a BFA and minor in Peace and Justice Studies. I began making polymer clay earrings the summer after graduating college. I used this as a therapeutic process to go outside the box of my traditional and conceptual paintings and express myself in a bold way. Jewelry making has been a really fun and transformative space for me to experiment with new materials in an entirely different way. I am a Lehigh Valley based artist.