FARMINGTON — Plans are developing for Farmington’s First Friday Art Walk & More to start in April.

The Farmington Downtown Association is working on a familiar idea, First Friday, which is held in many communities in Maine and around the nation, Malcolm Porter, association committee member, said.

“We want people to think of Farmington first,” he said. Shoppers who head out of town are “missing the wonderful things here.”

Usually there is a focus on art during these events. There are three art galleries: Upcountry Artist Gallery and Learning Center on Main Street; H. Brown Fine Arts; and SugarWood Gallery on Broadway.

But there is more to Farmington than the galleries, Porter said. There are opportunities to engage other businesses in the event.

Organizers hope other businesses might sponsor an artist or a musician at their business during the First Friday event. The business owner may want to offer a First Friday discount, a special or an open house featuring refreshments, he said.

Porter went before the Board of Selectmen to reserve the gazebo in nearby Meetinghouse Park for musicians to perform during the first Friday of each month beginning in April. His request was approved.

“I consider music an art form,” Porter said.

He is owner of Enchanted Herbs and Botanicals and chairman of the Downtown Association Committee working on the event.

The Farmington First Friday events will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The first event is planned for April 3.

Since purchasing SugarWood Gallery on Broadway in 2008, Dan and Janice Maxham have held a First Friday reception for their featured artist of the month.

“We have a good response,” Janice Maxham said. “It is an open house with refreshments served.”

The Farmington Historical Society is also thinking about becoming involved, Porter said. It may open either the Octagon House and/or the North Church.

Association member Gloria McGraw of County Seat Realty may keep the Main Street office open for a reception or artist display, he said.

“There are plenty of opportunities,” he said about the walk around downtown Farmington.

People can dine before or after visiting shops and the artists displays, he said.  Homestead Kitchen, Bar and Bakery is considering featuring a musician or artist in its space.

Other businesses are being invited to allow space for an artist. The Farmington Downtown Association will continue its plans at their next meeting Wednesday, March 11.

Any business, artist or musician interested in participating can contact Porter at his business at 156 Main St. or by phone at 860-0318 for more information.

Porter expects a list of businesses will be started so individual artists can contact them directly to plan for displays of their work during these First Friday events.

[email protected]