It's a new month. And in downtown Lancaster, that means a fresh burst of creativity is in store.

The First Friday celebration of the arts is as diverse and broad as visitors have come to expect, with galleries, studios and businesses all getting into the act.

One never knows what to expect, as pop-up performances -- from visual art shows to dance to music -- often surprise and delight passers by.

But there are also many planned events throughout downtown this evening, and to help with your planning purposes we'll bring some of them to your attention.

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Art in galleries? That's a no-brainer. But first-time visitors to First Friday may not realize that many other organizations host exhibits, too.

Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, 328 W. Orange St., hosts a new exhibit in its Parrot Gallery every other month. Friday from 6-9 p.m. is the opening reception for "Sanctuaries," works by Cara Longacre Hurst.

Hurst's love for nature and the memories of the mystery of childhood backyard trees inspire her work today.

A partial plein air painter, (she begins her paintings outdoors and finishes them in her studio), Hurst is an art teacher at Conestoga Valley High School.

The exhibit features paintings of various places she has visited, including Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; the Algonquin Park in Ontario; Big Butler Lake in Susquehanna County, state parks, and her own home in southern Lancaster County.

Friday's opening includes music by Daryl Snider.

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Lancaster Public Library also hosts an exhibit each month with a special event on First Friday.

Friday's 5:30 p.m. opening highlights the original acrylic paintings of John Walls.

"The Beat Goes On: Reaching for the Light." Walls, a graduate of Pennsylvania School of the Arts, says of his art:

"My work presents a reflection of the mystery and natural beauty of God's creation. In a world shackled by political correctness and artistic complexity, my work is direct and to the point. Nature, with its ever-changing dynamics and seasons, offers its own array of natural beauty; when reflected upon, it has a way of taking us to a quieter, more solitary place where we can find repose for our souls."

Friday's reception includes light refreshments, art activities for families, and music by The Chelsea Squares.

For more information, visit www.lancaster.lib.pa.us.

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Among the many galleries showcasing new exhibits Friday is the Painted Desert Gallery, 227 N. Duke St., celebrating its two-year anniversary with a group exhibit featuring established and emerging artists.

Also, Mio Studio Gallery will host the ceramics of Shalya Marsh -- whose works are created with layers of meaning and contemporary and historical references.

The artist invites viewers to "decipher" her work. She will be present at the reception from 5 to 9 p.m. to illuminate some of the secrets crafted into her pieces.

Art and craft combine in an exhibit at the Artisans Gallery Fine Art & Craft at 114 N. Prince St.

Nationally acclaimed watercolorist, Joann Hensel, will exhibit new paintings -- both landscapes and floral pieces, while master craftsman Dan Kepner will showcase his hand-crafted and customized heirloom furniture.

Both will be present at the opening reception Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Isadore Gallery at 228 N. Prince St., is hosting "Milt Friedly: Art Outside the Box."

Although the show has been up since July 21, the gallery will hold a First Friday artist reception Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Friedly's work is impossible to categorize since the artist never seems to shy away from trying a new medium. His prints, vessels and sculptures will be on display.

Potter Kevin Lehman will be visiting Red Raven Art Company Friday as he opens his clay project installation of works created by residents of the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center.

Lehman worked with the youths to create clay tiles.

Red Raven, at 138 N. Prince St., will also be exhibiting works by Carol Lesher, Karin Olah and Paul Manlove.

Is there more going on? Absolutely. Go out an explore.

For details, visit www.lancasterarts.com.

First Friday

5-9 p.m.

Downtown Lancaster
www.lancasterarts.com