Rochelle from the Juneau Arts & Culture Center (the JACC) previews Season 52 and a packed First Friday: meet featured artists Jessica Critchard (Sitka—“threaded bones” needlepoint/embroidery; donating half of sales to ANDVSA) and Lou Casiopo (Gustavus—contemporary sculpture with social commentary) at the gallery opening, Fri 4–7 pm, with refreshments. She also teases near-term events—a mask theatre workshop (Tues/Thurs, 6–8 pm) and a JUNEAU Piano Series concert with Whitehorse artists Jessica Tong & Michael Shepherd—plus the return of Wearable Arts in February (theme: Camp; artist applications due Nov 17). Admission is free, there’s easy parking, and the JACC makes a great launch point to stroll the rest of First Friday downtown; details at jahc.org.

Annie Kail’s celebrates its 50th year with a First Friday showcase (4:30–7:30 pm, Seward Street) featuring longtime gallery favorite Pia Riley and first-time exhibitor Suzanne Fouquois, both from Petersburg. Expect Riley’s vibrant watercolors and oils—florals, birds, and trees—plus Fouquois’ acrylic works on canvas, wood panel, and her distinctive indoor/outdoor pieces painted with porch & floor paint on treated plywood. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and purchase brand-new originals (Riley brought ~16 new works; no prints yet). Can’t make it tonight? The show remains through the weekend, with pieces added to anniekaills.com afterward.

The museum’s October is anything but sleepy. First Friday features a one-hour performance block (4:30–5:30 pm; open until 6) with Juneau Pipe Band bagpipers, Filipino dance groups, and musicians from High Cost of Living, all celebrating the closing month of “Wild Joys: Creating Community Through Performing Arts” (final day Oct 16). Families can also join Patsy Ann’s birthday party on Oct 11, 1–3 pm. On Oct 16, the Gold Town hosts a free, hour-long “Not-So-Silent” screening of 1930s–50s Stonehouse home movies with live music, plus curated JUMP shorts. The museum also announces the spring 12×12 theme: “Monochrome in Color.” Details at juneau.gov/museum (Fourth & Main, across from the Capitol).