Homer's art scene gets recharged every First Friday, when galleries change exhibits and hold receptions for local, Alaska or Outside artists. Many galleries have juried exhibits, so the competition to show can be tough and the art of high quality. Other galleries welcome emerging artists. Media include traditional Native arts, fiber and glass, jewelry, painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and found objects.

Annually artists weave a basket on the Spit - and then burn it. Homers Burning Basket

First Friday can be a happening social scene as artists mingle, talk shop and share new ideas. Galleries are always changing and expanding, but they include Bunnell Street Gallery and the Ring of Fire Meadery on Bunnell Avenue in Old Town, and Art Shop Gallery, Picture Alaska art gallery, Ptarmigan Arts Gallery, Fireweed Gallery and the Homer Council on the Arts, all on Pioneer Avenue. The Pratt Museum on Bartlett Street also has exhibits, as do many local restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses.

Head to the Spit or out of town for other galleries. The Sea Lion Fine Art Gallery, owned by local artist Gary Lyon, is on the Homer Spit. Check out High Tide Arts, Inua and other galleries, too.

The Ben Firth Studio at Mile 161 Sterling Highway highlights sculptures in antler, wood and bronze, glass etchings and paintings by a talented family of artists. Drive across the Sterling Highway to the Norman Lowell Gallery. Lowell and his wife, Libby, homesteaded this area in 1958. The gallery showcases Lowell's lifetime collection of 250 original works.

Kate's Gallery at Mile 148 Sterling Highway features the beadwork of Kate Boyan, who creates one-of-a-kind designs that adorn leather bags, clothing and jewelry.

Theater and Film

Pier One Theatre keeps rolling along at the red metal barn on the Spit next to the fishing hole. It presents everything from Shakespeare to the latest off-Broadway productions, and sometimes includes only-in-Homer plays by local playwrights, such as Shirley Timmreck.

Reserve tickets in advance by calling 235-7333. For a schedule of upcoming events, visit Pier One's Web site at www.pieronetheatre.org.

Anchorage Artist Julie Decker's Husband Mike Morris, photographs her at a First Friday opening

Homer has grown into the Telluride of the north, with its annual documentary film festival, first organized by the Homer Theatre in 2004. The Homer Theatre brings an eclectic mix of action-adventure Hollywood movies and independent films. The Homer Film Society provides an avenue for local filmmakers to perfect their art.

The Homer High School music department puts on amazing productions every year, such as the annual musical. Past productions have included "The Mikado," "Les Miserables" and "West Side Story." The annual December production of "The Nutcracker Ballet" has drawn huge holiday crowds when 100 young cast members bring Tchaikovsky's much-loved story to life. The costumes, sets and lighting are magical, and the performances of area youngsters repeatedly bring cheering audiences to their feet.