The Plainsman Press - South Plains College

by Courtney Ortega, staff writer

For all Lubbockites and those who live in the surrounding area, when thinking of good food and entertainment, one’s thoughts may not instantly go to that of downtown Lubbock.

Yet to take the time to look closely, many will find that appearances can be deceiving, and there might be much more there than at first glance. One of the most notable and fairly new attractions to come downtown is the First Friday Art Trail (FFAT), hosted by Civic Lubbock Inc., the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the CH Foundation. Beginning with only a map and curiosity, art lovers are led throughout downtown Lubbock from a car dealership to a small café to view featured art done by local artists, including some in the past by South Plains College students.

Both free and open to the public, FFAT was first introduced back in October 2004 with only two venues and 50 actively participating art patrons. Fast forward three years later, and the foundation of FFAT has grown to include 20 venues and a patron count that exceeds 1,000 each month. With many of the venues offering food and wine throughout the evening, one can choose to take one of the four FFAT trolleys, which shuttle patrons for no charge, rather than walk from site to site.

Dawn Wolf-Taylor, who is the coordinator for both FFAT and the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, said, “Expect to be wonderfully surprised and to want to return again and again. From high school students to young families to senior citizens, there’s something for every age and every taste each month during First Friday Art Trail.”

FFAT opens its third year on Oct. 5, with continuing dates until Aug. 1, 2008. Its success is due in large part to another unfamiliar downtown attraction, the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA), a community arts center whose mission is built on a being a facility which is both available and affordable to the local artists of the area. It is here that LHUCA ensures that they will have somewhere to showcase their creative talents, whether through education, exhibition, or performance. On a weekly basis, LHUCA holds art exhibitions in their gallery, which is both free and open to the public. They also periodically offer theatrical performances at their venue, along with workshops. The main goal of LHUCA is to continue to look to increase the awareness of the arts within the city of Lubbock and its culture.

This fall, downtown Lubbock plays host to two local favorites, the Flatland Film Festival and Margaret’s: The Art of Fashion. In its third year, the local film festival, which takes place at LHUCA, is open to the public and showcases the talent of aspiring area filmmakers. Not far from LHUCA, the Civic Center is the venue for “A Window to the World of Fashion,” a style show and tearoom luncheon, an event being held in conjunction the month-long celebration, Margaret’s: The Art of Fashion.

Downtown Lubbock also offers cuisine that is sure to satisfy the appetite of all different tastes. Eateries such as Red Carpet Restaurant and Durango’s are just a few of these downtown treasures that have built a loyal following of customers despite not being well known throughout the city. With family-based staffs and small, intimate venues, restaurants like these offer much more to their customers than just the meal. Such restaurants as Giorgio’s Pizza and Paddy’s Original Philly Cheese Steak guarantee authentic, homemade entrees in an old-fashioned and relaxed atmosphere. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of other crowded eateries, customers agree that these unique businesses are built on much more than making money.

“Places like Giorgio’s Pizza offer something that other restaurants can’t,” says Robert Jimenez of Lubbock. “They provide not only great food, but they welcome you like you’re one of the family.”

In addition to the enjoyable entertainment and food, downtown Lubbock also does not lack when it comes to shopping. Walking up and down the streets of downtown, one will find several bail bonds establishments and an occasional bank, as well as abandoned businesses from yesteryear. However, for those who take to time to look closely, they will find a few hidden and noteworthy shops such as Anna Bella, a shop which specializes in original pieces of jewelry. For those who are interested in tasting the flavors of the world, BDG’s is just the place, offering an array of teas and coffees, most of which you can sample

A true hidden treasure, downtown Lubbock is an epicenter of enjoyment for those who choose to make the time to discover it and all it has to offer.

“It’s a great place to go to get away from the typical attractions of Lubbock,” said Alice White of Lubbock. “I love downtown Lubbock and what it brings to the city and the people who live here.”

For those who would like more information regarding FFAT, LHUCA, or the Flatland Film Festival, they may visit www.ffat.org, www.lhuca.org, or www.flatlandfilmfestival.com. Those who wish to buy tickets for the Margaret’s: The Art of Fashion exhibit may call 785-2340.