We’re back! Third Friday will be celebrated in Millville’s Glasstown Arts District on Friday, August 21. There will be some new rules to follow to keep you safe as well as and staff and volunteers.

The Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts at 22 N. High Street will open at 6 p.m. with the main gallery exhibit entitled “In the Now.” The show features the artwork of many artists and depicts isolation and social change. The Atrium exhibit is by artist Sydnei Smith Jordan entitled “Do You See Me”? The Associate Artists’ corner will show the art of Paula Pagliughi and Susan Rau. The gallery gift shop will also be open.

The Riverfront Center asks you to wear masks and keep socially distant while inside. Only 25 people may be inside at any one time. Because of the safety measures, the center will have the Glasstown Plaza (only steps away) set up with tents and some seating for you to meet the artists and to mingle with friends. Entertainment will be provided by Randy & Ryan (classic rock).

Only a few steps away is El Guacamole Restaurant with delicious Mexican food for takeout. We recommend that you call ahead with your order. You can enjoy it al fresco! The Old Oar House Irish Pub has a beer garden in the rear of the building. You can order a full dinner or light bites along with a large selection of micro-brews. Live music is featured after 9 p.m.

Take a leisurely walk to the 500 block and visit the galleries, shops and Wildflower Vegan Café. The Village Gallery is featuring art through fashion design. An Octopus’s Garden represents many gifted artists and artisans and will be featuring the art of Jane Marie Yearicks this month. Christa’s Country Creations has many new wreaths for sale that she crafts by hand. You’ll find it hard to choose scented candles and soaps at Xanderlily Gifts. Especially Bridget’s Handcrafted Gifts has many items perfect for gifting. Embellish Treasure Club has ladies’ handbags, jewelry and other accessories on sale. Don’t miss the newest cottage shop—Pangea—Indigenous Art from around the globe. Entertainment will be offered in the Courtyard of the Village.

Just across the street is LaBottega of Art Gallery. Owner/Artist Maryann Cannon represents 26 artists from southern New Jersey along with her own oil paintings and intaglio etchings that will “wow” you.

You will find several other eateries on the blocks between the Riverfront Renaissance Center and the Village block that serve takeout. Supporting our small businesses will help them to survive the pandemic and to thrive again when it is under control.

For 19 years the Glasstown Arts District has celebrated the creativity of artists, musicians, artisans, crafters, and entrepreneurs. Due to COVID-19 the district has had to temporarily close its collective businesses or had to modify the operations to accommodate the precautions being taken throughout New Jersey.

Artistic expression can offer comfort and hope to people struggling through the lock-down. Hearing a favorite song from a happier time can help individuals to cope. We sincerely hope that many of you will want to join us for Third Friday and experience the power of the arts. Please check the websites or Facebook for the galleries, shops and restaurants to know the current hours of operation so that you will pay repeat visits throughout the rest of the summer.