FREDERICKSBURG ENTERTAINMENT
News and notes from Fredericksburg's entertainment scene
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades joins the First Friday action
BY LIANA BAYNE
THE FREE LANCE-STAR
If you go to the “New Kids on the Block” art show this Friday at Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, don’t forget to look down.
The art displayed in the store’s new location, at 1009 Princess Anne St. next to the Otter House, starts with the comic-book pages lacquered to the floor.
The art show will feature 14 artists, some local and others from around the country. It will serve as a housewarming party of sorts for Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, which opened on Princess Anne Street in late June.
Jeremy Gann, a local artist, is coordinating the show and will have his own artwork featured.
Gann described the art as being “lowbrow, urban, street art-type stuff.”
“People think about graffiti when they see it, but it’s really a culture thing,” he said.
Gann’s been working for almost a year to get artists involved in the First Friday show. He said his main job will be coordinating shows for the store, which hopes to become a First Friday staple with a new art show each month.
Most of the art in this Friday’s show is from artists in their 20s and 30s. Live music will be provided by DJ Ragz, and the store will be open for business until the show ends at 11 p.m.
Mike Skinner, who owns Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, said the art is a little separated from what some might deem “acceptable”—similar to the background of his store.
After being a thrift shop for two years, Skinner decided to move and rebrand his business. The new location is more of a media store than a vintage clothing and knickknack store. Shoppers can peruse collections of old comic books (not just on the floor), arcade machines, video games and music.
Skinner collects art, and will display works in the store not just during First Friday shows but as part of the regular décor.
“There’s nothing better than to have great artwork,” he said, “and for me, I can’t see anything better than lowbrow art.”
Gann and Skinner hope Friday’s show, which has been in the works for almost a year, won’t be the last at Horseshoes and Hand Grenades.
“It’s going to be packed,” Gann said. “It should be really, really cool.”
WANT TO GO?
What: “New Kids on the Block” art show
When: First Friday, July 6, 7–11 p.m.
Where: Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, 1009 Princess Anne St.
Info: 540/310-0295
Liana Bayne: 540/374-5444
lbayne@freelancestar.com
